Written: by Karl Tidal
In an unforgettable moment, WWE fans in New Orleans were treated to a historic announcement on the February 21, 2025, episode of SmackDown at the Smoothie King Center. The arena erupted with excitement as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a surprise appearance, delivering a game-changing message that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. As The Rock stood in the center of the ring, the energy in the arena reached a fever pitch before he dropped the bombshell:
“Finally, The Rock has come back to New Orleans! And it’s not just for tonight. The Rock is here to tell you that WrestleMania 42 will return to the Caesars Superdome on April 11 and April 12, 2026!”
The crowd inside the Smoothie King Center exploded with cheers, solidifying New Orleans as one of the greatest WrestleMania host cities of all time. The announcement marked the third time WWE’s biggest event of the year would take place at the iconic Caesars Superdome, following the legendary WrestleMania 30 in 2014 and WrestleMania 34 in 2018.
A Historic WrestleMania Legacy in New Orleans
New Orleans has long been a special place for WWE, delivering some of the most unforgettable moments in WrestleMania history. The Superdome, formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, has witnessed two of the most talked-about WrestleManias of all time.
WrestleMania 30 (2014): The End of The Streak
WrestleMania 30 was a night that will live in infamy, not just in the history of WWE, but in professional wrestling as a whole. In front of a stunned New Orleans crowd, The Undertaker’s legendary 21-0 undefeated streak at WrestleMania came to a shocking end at the hands of Brock Lesnar. The moment was met with an eerie silence as the world struggled to process what had just happened.
The event was also significant as it marked the rise of Daniel Bryan, who overcame incredible odds by defeating Triple H in the opening match before going on to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a triple-threat match against Randy Orton and Batista. His victory, celebrated by a sea of fans chanting “YES! YES! YES!,” remains one of the most emotional moments in WWE history.WrestleMania 34 (2018): One of the Biggest WrestleManias Ever
Four years later, WrestleMania returned to New Orleans for WrestleMania 34, one of the most stacked and highly anticipated cards in the event’s history. The show featured the in-ring return of Daniel Bryan after being medically cleared to wrestle again, teaming up with Shane McMahon to defeat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
It was also a night of shocking twists, as The Undertaker returned to dominate John Cena in a quick but dramatic match, Charlotte Flair ended Asuka’s undefeated streak, and Ronda Rousey made her highly praised WWE in-ring debut, teaming with Kurt Angle to defeat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in one of the most exciting matches of the night.
The main event saw Roman Reigns attempt to dethrone Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship in a hard-hitting battle, proving just how physically demanding WrestleMania’s main event stage can be.
WrestleMania 42 Returns to the Superdome
With WrestleMania 42 now officially set to return to the Caesars Superdome in 2026, WWE is bringing its biggest spectacle back to one of its most historic venues. The city of New Orleans, known for its incredible atmosphere and vibrant energy, is set to host yet another unforgettable weekend full of WWE action. The Rock’s presence at SmackDown in the Smoothie King Center only added to the excitement, as speculation grows about his possible involvement in next year’s WrestleMania.
His recent alignment with The Bloodline and teases of a potential match against Roman Reigns have WWE fans wondering if The Rock’s announcement was more than just business—could The Great One be stepping back into the ring on The Grandest Stage of Them All?
ARCGWWETour Announces Attendance for WrestleMania 42
Following this massive announcement, ARCG Media is proud to confirm that the #ARCGWWETour will officially be in attendance for WrestleMania 42 in New Orleans. While this is not the first event announced for the tour next year, it is one of the earliest confirmed events for 2026, setting the stage for what promises to be another unforgettable year of WWE coverage.
The #ARCGWWETour has become a major part of the WWE landscape, delivering exclusive content, live coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, and firsthand experiences from the biggest wrestling events in the world. With WrestleMania 42 now on the calendar, the countdown to another spectacular weekend in New Orleans has begun.
From the electrifying atmosphere of Bourbon Street to the grandeur of the Caesars Superdome, New Orleans is set to once again deliver an unparalleled WrestleMania experience. Stay tuned to ARCG Media for all the latest updates leading up to WrestleMania 42, and don’t miss the #ARCGWWETour’s exclusive coverage from The Grandest Stage of Them All!
Follow us on Social Media at @ARCGMedia for more info.