Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 Opponent: Knight or Femi? The WWE’s Internal Debate
The road to WrestleMania 42 is already filled with speculation, and one of the biggest questions surrounds Brock Lesnar. Recent reports suggest WWE is considering two surprising opponents for “The Beast” – LA Knight and Oba Femi – with internal creative notes from late January 2026 initially listing Lesnar versus Knight.
The Initial Plan: Lesnar vs. LA Knight
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE had internally planned for Brock Lesnar to face LA Knight at WrestleMania 42. This potential matchup gained traction following Knight’s involvement in eliminating Lesnar at the Royal Rumble, providing a clear storyline foundation for a rivalry. The elimination, alongside Cody Rhodes, offered a narrative WWE could build upon.
Oba Femi’s Royal Rumble Impact and a Shift in Plans?
However, Lesnar’s interaction with Oba Femi at the Royal Rumble threw a wrench into those plans. Femi’s impressive performance – entering first and lasting 39 minutes – and the significant crowd reaction to his face-off with Lesnar led to discussions about a potential program between the two. Although not a certainty, the positive response prompted WWE to consider Femi as a viable opponent.
Femi himself acknowledged the interaction was designed to gauge fan interest, and the strong reaction suggests a future rivalry is likely, even if it doesn’t materialize at WrestleMania 42.
RAW Return to Clarify Lesnar’s Direction
Brock Lesnar is scheduled to return to Monday Night RAW on February 23, 2026, in Atlanta. This appearance is expected to shed light on his WrestleMania direction. The February 23rd RAW will be crucial in determining whether WWE sticks with the initial plan of Lesnar versus Knight or pivots towards a program with Femi.
As Dave Meltzer noted, the situation remains fluid. The internal listing of Lesnar facing Knight was current as of late January, but nothing is set in stone.
What Does This Mean for WrestleMania 42?
The uncertainty surrounding Lesnar’s opponent highlights WWE’s willingness to adapt based on crowd reaction and evolving storylines. Both Knight and Femi present compelling options, albeit for different reasons. Knight offers a proven star with a dedicated fanbase, while Femi represents a new and exciting talent with significant potential.
The decision ultimately hinges on WWE’s long-term vision for both Lesnar and the potential opponents. A match with Knight could elevate Knight’s status further, while a program with Femi could establish Femi as a major player in WWE.
Pro Tip:
Preserve an eye on Lesnar’s promo and actions during his February 23rd RAW appearance. His interactions with other wrestlers and the overall tone of his segment will likely provide clues about his WrestleMania opponent.
FAQ
Q: Is the Lesnar vs. Knight match confirmed?
A: No, it was listed internally but is not confirmed. WWE is also considering Oba Femi.
Q: What role did Oba Femi play in changing the plans?
A: His strong performance and the positive crowd reaction at the Royal Rumble led WWE to consider him as a potential opponent for Lesnar.
Q: When will we know Lesnar’s WrestleMania opponent for sure?
A: WWE expects to clarify Lesnar’s direction on the February 23rd episode of Monday Night RAW.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Royal Rumble?
A: You can find more information about the Royal Rumble on WrestlingAttitude.com.
Stay tuned to WrestlingAttitude.com for the latest updates on Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 plans!
