The Rock chooses New Orleans as host city for WWE WrestleMania 42 during SmackDown comeback

The announcement of WrestleMania 42’s venue brought excitement and anticipation to fans as The Rock revealed that New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome will host the event. The declaration was made during a WWE event in New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center, adding to the city’s wrestling legacy. This won’t be the first time WrestleMania will grace New Orleans, as the city previously hosted WrestleMania 30 in 2014 and WrestleMania 34 in 2018.

WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, 2026, promising an action-packed weekend for wrestling enthusiasts. However, the announcement of the venue wasn’t the only highlight of the event. Following the excited revelation, The Rock invited WWE champion Cody Rhodes into the ring for a public conversation.

During their discussion, The Rock expressed deep admiration for Rhodes, highlighting the strong bond they have formed since their encounter at last year’s WrestleMania. Despite their camaraderie, The Rock surprised the audience by declaring his desire for Rhodes to become “his” champion. The unexpected proposition left Rhodes with a difficult decision to make, as The Rock requested an answer at the upcoming Elimination Chamber event in Toronto on March 1.

As the conversation unfolded, tension rose in the arena, leading to a dramatic conclusion. After delivering his impassioned speech, The Rock dramatically tossed his microphone out of the ring, leaving Rhodes alone to contemplate his offer. This unexpected turn of events added an element of suspense to the night, captivating the audience and leaving them eagerly anticipating the outcome of Rhodes’ decision.

In summary, The Rock’s announcement of WrestleMania 42’s venue in New Orleans set the stage for an unforgettable event in 2026. The addition of the public discussion with Cody Rhodes added an unexpected twist to the evening, culminating in a cliffhanger moment that will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats. With WrestleMania 42 shaping up to be a must-see event, the WWE universe is buzzing with excitement as they eagerly await the showdown between The Rock and Cody Rhodes at Elimination Chamber.