Sports
‘Real Reason’ Why John Cena is Hosting WrestleMania 42 Revealed
Just months after losing his final match, John Cena has confirmed his return to WWE and the reason behind his comeback has been revealed.
The 17-time world champion ended his career by tapping out to Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December. The 48-year-old hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since his controversial defeat, but that absence will soon come to an end.
Taking to social media on Monday afternoon, Cena addressed his upcoming return to the promotion in a short video.
“Ah, retired life in the sun,” he jokingly began. “I’m kidding! Check out the backdrop. I’m shooting a movie for Netflix called One Attempt Remaining,’ which you can see when it comes out.”
John Cena Announces WWE Return Details
With his movie promotion out of the way, Cena explained the real purpose behind the video.
“I’m also on the road which is ironic cause there’s a road to WrestleMania going on. And, Hollywood is really close to Vegas. Rumor around this town is WrestleMania needs a host. Well, I’m already on that road, so I will see you at WrestleMania.”
While prior editions of WrestleMania have been ‘hosted’ by the likes of Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Alexa Bliss and The Miz, the reality is that there have been plenty of WrestleManias that have not had a host at all.
It is fair to assume WWE would not have received any complaints had no host been in place for WrestleMania 42, which takes place on the 18th and 19th of April at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
In truth, the vast majority of WWE fans would have much rather seen Cena inducted into the Hall of Fame on WrestleMania weekend this year, as opposed to being used in a largely symbolic hosting role. A report from Fightful Select has now revealed the real reason behind WWE’s decision to hand hosting duties to Cena.
Why WWE Really Asked John Cena to be the Host of WrestleMania 42
According to the outlet, WWE is hoping that the beloved ring legend can help boost ticket sales for the event, which are believed to have come in well below expectations.
To date, the company is quoted as having sold around 40,000 tickets to each night of WrestleMania 42. By contrast, WrestleMania 41 (which took place in the same venue last April) drew an announced crowds of 58,538 (night one) and 60,103 (night two).
It should be noted that night two of last year’s WrestleMania saw Cena defeat Cody Rhodes in the main event for the WWE Championship, winning a record-breaking 17th world title in the process.
While the two currently scheduled main events for WrestleMania 42 (CM Punk vs Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton) are strong matches, they lack the historical significance of the 2025 headliner.
Having taken the decision to run the same stadium in back-to-back years, there was always the chance that ticket sales may be affected and so it has proved.
WWE won’t have the benefit of being able to advertise Cena in a match this year, with the Superstar being adamant that he will never go back on his in-ring retirement. However, there is seemingly hope that his name value and drawing power will help increase ticket sales with WrestleMania 42 now less than three weeks away.
Sports
Ruben Amorim Wants Manuel Ugarte From Man Utd
Ruben Amorim could offer Manuel Ugarte an escape route, as The Mirror claims that the former Manchester United head coach wants the midfielder at his next club, AC Milan.
The Uruguayan international has struggled to make much of an impression since his switch from Paris Saint-Germain, having dropped down the team pecking order in the past year.
Ugarte’s struggles have been well-documented, and as Man United look to bolster their midfield ranks, he has been put among the players shortlisted for a potential exit this summer.
As they look to recoup much of the £42 million spent on the 25-year-old this summer, Amorim could give the Red Devils a much-needed financial boost.
AC Milan Want Manuel Ugarte
According to the report from The Mirror, Amorim is looking at a potential move for Ugarte this summer, with the hopes of reuniting at AC Milan.
It’s stated that Man United have slapped a £30 million price tag on the midfielder, as they hope to land a decent fee to move him on three years before the end of his contract.
As it stands, the Rossoneri are currently unwilling to match that demand, but talks are planned so that the two clubs can reach a compromise to get a deal over the line.
There is some hope that a positive World Cup for Ugarte, who is featuring for Uruguay in North America this summer, will help the Red Devils in their case to get a strong fee for him.
It remains to be seen whether that will be the case, but any move is likely to free up funds for the club to go back into the market for even better options.
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Man United’s Midfield Refresh
A transfer exit for Ugarte could help get the midfield refresh at Manchester United firmly underway, replacing a wantaway star with some quality.
Ederson’s move from Atalanta is already agreed in a huge boost for the position, while talks are continuing over the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
At least two additions to the central ranks are expected, but an exit for Ugarte for a strong fee could free up funds to add a third midfielder who could make all the difference.
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Manchester United are in the market for midfielders, with a former Manchester City academy player in their sights.
Links have continued for the likes of Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba, who may emerge as strong candidates later in the transfer window.
It remains to be seen if that is possible, especially with interest for a new left-back, backup goalkeeper, and a forward of some description before the window closes.
Sports
Why Tuchel Didn’t Call Up Trent Alexander-Arnold to Replace Tino Livramento
Thomas Tuchel has again decided against calling up Trent Alexander-Arnold to England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and his reasons for doing so have emerged.
The Real Madrid defender was excluded from England’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in May, with the likes of Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento preferred.
Livramento had to withdraw from England’s squad just days before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia after suffering a calf injury in training.
Tuchel again decided against calling up Trent to replace the Newcastle defender, instead bringing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah into the fold.
Why Tuchel Decided Against Calling Up Trent Alexander-Arnold
Many football fans questioned Tuchel’s decision to leave out Alexander-Arnold when he initially named his squad, and many are baffled they have overlooked him again.
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has now explained the two reasons why the Real Madrid defender, considered one of the best right-backs in the world, was not called up.
He said: “There will be a lot of England fans and pundits saying ‘why not Trent Alexander-Arnold?’ – that’s a question Tuchel will be asked.
“It’s my understanding there are two reasons why it wouldn’t be Alexander-Arnold – firstly, we don’t know where he is. Could the England logistics teams get him here in time before the deadline?
“Also, Tuchel has left some big names out of this squad, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden. He didn’t want to bring them if they weren’t going to be guaranteed game time. So the England manager may have had concerns about bringing in a superstar like Alexander-Arnold if he was going to spend time sitting on the bench.”
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World Cup History Quiz
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Thomas Tuchel Explains Reasons For Calling Up Chalobah
Tuchel has now addressed Livramento’s injury and explained why he decided to replace him with Chalobah.
He said: “Tino was of course very disappointed and sad. All of us were. It was a bit of a shock when he had to stop training and he had a feeling that this could be an injury that could cost him the tournament. He was unfortunately right after assessment.
“We got the information that it’s about four or five weeks, which is unfortunately too long to keep on rebuilding and reintegrating him into the squad. We took the decision to send him home, which is disappointing.
“We called Trevoh Chalobah, because we can free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides. Djed Spence can play as a full-back on both sides. Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative, which gives us full coverage in the back four.”
England get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Sports
After 3 Years, Arsenal Revive Transfer Interest In Ivan Fresneda
Arsenal are set to enter the summer transfer market with some huge potential deals, as reports claim the club are looking to revive interest in a defender they eyed three years ago.
The Gunners are expected to be somewhat busy over the course of the transfer window, with Mikel Arteta looking to take his team to the next level after sealing his first Premier League title as head coach.
The priority appears to be in attack, as links to Morgan Rogers have persisted, while there is also interest in PSG star Bradley Barcola for the coming weeks.
There may be some moves in the defence too, depending on outgoings, with reports emerging of a potential deal in the works for a star they’ve shown interest in before.
Arsenal Want Ivan Fresneda Transfer
As Arsenal look at new options to freshen up the squad, Portuguese outlet A Bola, via Sport Witness, claims that the Gunners are eyeing a deal for Sporting CP star Ivan Fresneda.
The North London clubs were linked with the defender back in 2023, as he impressed when breaking through the ranks with Real Valladolid.
While there was interest, he instead made the move to Sporting, where he has made 81 appearances since and has grown into an important player for the side.
The report claims that Arsenal are closely monitoring Fresneda, and while there is a £69 million release clause in his deal, his club are unwilling to negotiate a move this summer.
Joining Arsenal in their interest is Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, as they all eye a potential star of the future at right-back.
It remains to be seen if the Gunners can finally tempt a move for Fresneda, but they should try their luck if they want to progress.
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Arsenal Need Right-Back Cover
Arsenal fans are likely to get more excited by their forward additions rather than any signings in the backline, but a new right-back could be key this summer.
The Gunners found it to be a problem position last season, as injuries to Jurrien Timber and Ben White kept the pair out of action, with Arteta resorting to using Cristhian Mosquera at right-back.
Fresneda, at just 21 years old, could prove to be an ideal candidate to compete for a place in the long-term, while offering plenty of energy and fitness for the role.
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Arsenal’s pursuit of one star in the summer transfer window has been boosted.
He was among the fastest players in the Champions League for last season, showing he can bring his rapid pace to the backline as and when required.
It remains to be seen how much it may take to complete a deal, but it’s one Arsenal should push to get over the line to help bolster out their options.
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