Wrestling News february 3 2026

 # WrestleMania 42 Main Event Set: Reigns vs. Punk, Huge AEW Signings, and NJPW Exodus!

Welcome to your daily briefing on the world of professional wrestling! It is **Tuesday, February 3, 2026**, and the road to Las Vegas is officially paved with tension. From a historic WrestleMania announcement to major roster shifts in AEW and Japan, today’s news landscape is shifting faster than a 450 splash.

Here is everything you need to know from *Fightful Select*, *Wrestling Observer*, and *PWInsider*.

## WrestleMania 42: Roman Reigns Officially Challenges CM Punk

The Tribal Chief has made his choice. Following his monumental victory at the 2026 Royal Rumble, **Roman Reigns** took to the mic on last night’s *WWE RAW* in Philadelphia to set the wrestling world on fire. 

In a promo described by many as "blistering" and "highly personal," Reigns didn’t hold back, making direct references to the infamous "Art of Wrestling" podcast and Colt Cabana. Reigns officially challenged **CM Punk** for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42. According to Dave Meltzer, this will mark their first singles encounter since 2014. The match is expected to be the crown jewel of the two-night event at Allegiant Stadium this April.

## AEW "Sweepstakes": Clark Connors and David Finlay News

All Elite Wrestling is continuing its aggressive expansion. *Fightful Select* reports that **Clark Connors** is expected to officially sign with AEW any moment now. Connors made a statement on *AEW Collision* this past weekend, aligning with **Gabe Kidd** to take out Darby Allin.

Meanwhile, the "David Finlay Sweepstakes" is reaching a fever pitch. While WWE NXT has reportedly discussed bringing him in, AEW is currently the frontrunner. The rumored deal for Finlay is a unique "dual contract," allowing him to maintain his presence in NJPW while being primarily based in the United States—a major win for fans of international crossover.

## Tonight: Seven-Way Ladder Match for the NXT Championship

It’s a massive night for the Gold Brand on *The CW*. Following **Oba Femi’s** permanent move to *RAW*, the NXT Championship is officially vacant. 

A seven-way ladder match will headline tonight’s broadcast to crown a new king of NXT. The field includes **Ricky Saints, Shiloh Hill, Sean Legacy, Jackson Drake, Dion Lennox, and Keanu Carver**. The big question mark remains **Joe Hendry**; his participation is currently a "game-time decision" as he seeks medical clearance following last week’s storyline injury.

## NJPW and Stardom Shock: EVIL and Saki Kashima Leaving

The landscape of Japanese wrestling is undergoing a radical transformation as January contracts expire. 

*   **EVIL:** The "King of Darkness" has finished his time with New Japan. Rumors are swirling that he is WWE-bound, with many speculating he could debut as a surprise entrant at the *Elimination Chamber* event later this month.

*   **Saki Kashima:** In a heartbreaking announcement for Stardom fans, the High Speed legend has announced her retirement for April 26, 2026. She cited the physical toll of her career as the primary factor.

*   **Hiromu Takahashi:** Adding to the chaos, *Voices of Wrestling* suggests that the Junior Heavyweight ace may also be looking for the exit door following the *New Beginning in Osaka* tour.

## WWE Backstage Buzz: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar?

WWE management is reportedly "raving" about the recent performances of **Sol Ruca**, **Je'Von Evans**, and **Oba Femi**. The trio stood out during the Royal Rumble, proving that the future of the company is in good hands.

However, those hoping for an immediate Oba Femi vs. **Brock Lesnar** match at WrestleMania 42 might need to wait. While their staredown in the Rumble was a "viral moment," Dave Meltzer reports the singles match is "not 100% locked in" yet as creative evaluates Lesnar’s schedule and other potential opponents.

## AEW Title Change & Dynamite Preview

The TNT Championship has a new home. **Tommaso Ciampa** defeated Mark Briscoe on *Collision* to capture the gold. It has since been confirmed that Ciampa has signed a lucrative multi-year deal with AEW after passing on a WWE contract extension.

**AEW Dynamite Preview (Feb 4):**

*   **MJF vs. Brody King** (World Title Eliminator)

*   **Ricochet vs. Jack Perry** (National Championship)

*   **Kenny Omega vs. Andrade El Idolo**

## Lucha Libre: Rey de Reyes & CMLL Updates

In Mexico, AAA is gearing up for **Rey de Reyes 2026**. A new wrestler taking up the mantle of **La Parca** has become the first to qualify for the prestigious tournament. 

Over at Arena Mexico, tonight’s CMLL show will focus on the build toward *Homenaje a Dos Leyendas*. Fans can expect a showcase featuring **Místico** and **Máscara Dorada** taking on a visiting duo from AEW, further solidifying the bridge between the two promotions.

***

**What do you think of the WrestleMania 42 main event? Is Reigns vs. Punk the right call, or should the title have gone elsewhere? Sound off in the comments below!**