On September 9, 2025, the wrestling world got a fresh jolt of excitement when Matt Hardy, a seasoned veteran of the squared circle and current TNA star, took to his podcast, Extreme Life Of Matt Hardy, to share his dream main event scenarios for the upcoming WrestleMania 42. As always, Hardy’s imagination didn’t disappoint, offering matchups that would make even the most jaded wrestling fan sit up and pay attention.
During the latest episode, Hardy was asked to play fantasy booker for WWE’s biggest annual event, and he dove right in. For the first night of WrestleMania 42, Hardy suggested a colossal showdown between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk. "How about at WrestleMania 42? What if we did a Cody vs. CM Punk? It’s gonna be harder to get bigger than that in our reality," Hardy mused on the podcast, as transcribed by 411mania.com. The prospect of these two titans clashing on the grandest stage of them all is enough to get any wrestling enthusiast’s heart racing.
Hardy didn’t stop there. For the second night’s main event, he floated another blockbuster idea: Seth Rollins versus Jacob Fatu. It’s a pairing that would pit one of WWE’s most versatile and decorated performers against a rising star whose stock has been steadily climbing in recent years. "And then maybe — trying to think for the other night. Maybe a Seth Rollins vs. Jacob Fatu," Hardy said, clearly savoring the possibilities.
The intrigue deepened as Hardy speculated on how Fatu, who’s made waves with his powerhouse style and undeniable charisma, might earn his spot in such a high-profile match. "I don’t know. Maybe Jacob Fatu continues on this — maybe have him win the Rumble, Rumble or Elimination Chamber. And line them up for this match and just give him a test, see where he’s at," Hardy explained. The notion of Fatu winning the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber—both grueling, career-defining contests—would certainly set the stage for a memorable WrestleMania showdown and offer a true test of Fatu’s mettle against a proven main-eventer like Rollins.
For context, WrestleMania is WWE’s flagship event, a spectacle that has historically served as the proving ground for the industry’s biggest stars and boldest storylines. Over the years, the event has been home to legendary matches, shocking upsets, and iconic moments that have shaped the landscape of professional wrestling. With the introduction of two-night formats in recent years, the stakes—and the opportunities for unforgettable main events—have only grown.
Hardy’s picks reflect both a deep understanding of wrestling’s current landscape and a keen sense of what fans crave. Cody Rhodes, who returned to WWE with much fanfare and has been on a path of redemption and legacy-building, versus CM Punk, whose every move generates headlines and whose return to the ring after years away was one of the sport’s most talked-about stories, would be a dream clash of eras and philosophies. Both men are known for their storytelling prowess and ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level. The mere suggestion of this match has already sparked spirited debate online, with fans speculating about the promos, the in-ring psychology, and the potential fallout of such a high-stakes encounter.
On the other side, Seth Rollins has long been a cornerstone of WWE’s main event scene. His adaptability—shifting from villain to hero and back again with ease—has made him a perennial favorite. Jacob Fatu, meanwhile, has been turning heads on the independent circuit and in other promotions, earning a reputation as a dynamic, unpredictable force in the ring. Hardy’s idea of having Fatu earn his spot by winning the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber not only adds legitimacy to the matchup but also injects a sense of unpredictability and fresh energy into the WrestleMania narrative.
According to 411mania.com, Hardy’s comments have already generated significant buzz in the wrestling community. Fans and pundits alike are weighing the feasibility of these matchups, considering contractual situations, ongoing storylines, and the ever-present element of surprise that WWE is known for. While fantasy booking is, by definition, speculative, Hardy’s suggestions are grounded in the reality of today’s wrestling landscape—where crossover appearances, surprise returns, and seismic shifts in company allegiances are increasingly common.
The idea of Jacob Fatu breaking through to WWE’s main event scene is particularly intriguing. Fatu, a member of the illustrious Anoa’i wrestling family, has long been touted as a future star. His performances in other promotions have showcased a blend of athleticism and raw power, and a WrestleMania main event would be a logical next step in his ascent. Hardy’s suggestion that Fatu could win the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber to earn his title shot is a nod to wrestling tradition, where such victories have often served as launching pads for new main eventers.
It’s worth noting that Hardy’s approach to fantasy booking is both respectful of wrestling’s past and forward-looking. By pairing established stars with rising talents, he’s advocating for a blend of nostalgia and innovation—a formula that has often yielded the most memorable moments in wrestling history. The stakes for WrestleMania 42 couldn’t be higher, and with fans clamoring for fresh matchups and compelling stories, Hardy’s vision resonates.
Of course, not everyone agrees on what makes the perfect WrestleMania main event. Some fans argue that established names like Cody and Punk are essential for drawing mainstream attention, while others believe it’s time to elevate new stars like Fatu to the top of the card. Hardy’s willingness to entertain both perspectives speaks to his experience and his understanding of wrestling’s ever-evolving audience.
As the road to WrestleMania 42 unfolds, it remains to be seen whether any of Hardy’s dream matches will become reality. WWE is known for its last-minute twists and its penchant for keeping fans guessing right up until the final bell. But one thing is certain: with voices like Matt Hardy keeping the conversation lively and imaginative, the anticipation for wrestling’s biggest night is as high as ever.
Whether or not these fantasy matchups come to fruition, Hardy’s thoughtful approach and willingness to engage with fans’ dreams and expectations are a reminder of what makes wrestling special. It’s a world where anything can happen, and where the line between fantasy and reality is often delightfully blurred.