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‘Real Reason’ Why John Cena is Hosting WrestleMania 42 Revealed

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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.

WrestleMania 42 Poster

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.

WWE's John Cena holding the Undisputed WWE title belt at WrestleMania 41.

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.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic Puts Alexi Lalas in His Place During World Cup

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Thierry Henry produced a priceless reaction live on FOX Sports after Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Alexi Lalas in his place on live TV following France’s 3-1 win over Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.

The trio have only been working together since the tournament began last week but there have already been moments of tension between Lalas, the former United States international, and his fellow pundits.

Lalas made headlines last week after describing British presenter James Corden as a “full kit w***er” live on TV on day two of the tournament, prompting a shocked reaction from his fellow panellists.

Since then, viewers on social media have been speculating that Zlatan and Henry have little time for the outspoken Lalas.

Zlatan Shuts Down ‘Arrogant’ France Accusations

Zlatan Daniele Mascolo via Reuters

There was another tense moment between Ibrahimovic and Lalas on Tuesday, following France’s victory over Senegal.

Lalas attempted to spark a discussion over whether the French team were guilty of being arrogant during the goalless first half. The 56-year-old made the comment after former USA star Landon Donovan called Les Bleus “arrogant” and “casual” in their approach during the opening 45 minutes.

“The reality is, if they are arrogant, it’s because they can do things like that,” Lalas said, highlighting France’s second-half performance in which Kylian Mbappe scored twice. However, Zlatan shut down any suggestions of France being arrogant, responding:

“It’s not arrogance, it’s confidence. Ignorant people will say it’s arrogance, intelligent people will say it’s confidence.”

Henry’s eyes widened and stayed that way for several seconds as the dust settled on Zlatan’s cutting response. Watch the clip below:

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France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, struggled during the first half against Senegal in hot conditions at the New York New Jersey Stadium. But Didier Deschamps’ side found their rhythm after the break and secured all three points thanks to Mbappe’s brace and another goal from substitute Bradley Barcola.

However, France only find themselves second in Group I after the first round of matches due to Norway securing a 4-1 win over Iraq. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, making his maiden appearance at a World Cup finals, scored twice at the Boston Stadium.


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Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings

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In the night’s other games, over in Group J, Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s joint all-time leading goalscorer after netting a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, while Austria sealed a 3-1 win over Jordan.

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Ruben Amorim Wants Manuel Ugarte From Man Utd

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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

Manuel Ugarte vs England
Manuel Ugarte vs England

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

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)

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.


Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on after Premier League win against Nottingham Forest


Next Rodri: Man Utd Want £60.5m Midfield Star After Ederson

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.

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Why Tuchel Didn’t Call Up Trent Alexander-Arnold to Replace Tino Livramento

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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

Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for Real Madrid Lee Smith via Reuters

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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Thomas Tuchel Explains Reasons For Calling Up Chalobah

England manager Thomas Tuchel during a press conference in England Press Conference in Gardens North County District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S. Thomas Tuchel via Reuters/Jim Rassol​​​​​​​

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.

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