5 Most complained-about WWE moments before WrestleMania 42

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#5. IYO SKY’s booking

IYO SKY has arguably been one of the top names in the women’s division for the past three years. However, as we approach WrestleMania 42, fans seem upset over how The Genius of the Sky has been booked recently. After losing the Women’s Tag Team Title alongside Rhea Ripley, IYO was effectively left out of the ‘Mania card.

While The Eradicator moved on to a high-profile feud with Jade Cargill on WWE Friday Night SmackDown, IYO SKY was left without a concrete program for weeks on Monday Night RAW. The recent teaser of a feud with Asuka has provided some hope, but the complaint remains the same: a star of SKY’s caliber shouldn’t be left out of the lineup for The Showcase of the Immortals.

#4. The buildup to WrestleMania 42

WrestleMania season is typically characterized by an exciting atmosphere where every segment feels important. However, this year, most fans agree that the build toward ‘Mania has seemed one-sided. While the main event matches, such as CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton, have been given top priority, the rest of the card has surprisingly been overlooked.

Critics have pointed out that many mid-card matches were quickly put together in the final three weeks of TV programming. Aside from the marquee matches, the overall creative effort has been lackluster, resulting in filler segments on WWE RAW and SmackDown that have failed to impress.

For a two-night event in a city as grand as Las Vegas, fans expected a more cohesive build across the roster.

#3. Everything about the Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill rivalry

On paper, the match between Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship is a highly anticipated and exciting bout. It features two of the most powerful and charismatic wrestlers in recent history. However, the way the buildup and execution of the match have been handled has come under heavy criticism.

Their rivalry began with a real-looking argument on social media, which many fans felt was too much of a break from the usual wrestling storyline. This likely made the in-ring promos afterward feel uncomfortable and out of place.

When Ripley and Cargill finally stood face-to-face on SmackDown, their exchange focused more on their physical appearances than on their common goal of holding the WWE Women’s Championship.

Fans expressed disappointment, feeling that the storyline seemed outdated. They believed that The Eradicator’s complex history with The Judgment Day and Jade Cargill’s rapid rise in the company provided a much better emotional narrative that could have been explored. Instead of a blood feud, it has felt like a bodybuilding pose-down, leaving many underwhelmed.

#2. Carmelo Hayes being left off the card after losing the WWE United States Championship to Sami Zayn

Perhaps the most heartbreaking complaint from the hardcore fans involves former WWE United States Champion Carmelo Hayes. After losing his title to Sami Zayn on SmackDown, Hayes was effectively written off the WrestleMania card.

Sami Zayn will go on to defend the US Title against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42. However, Carmelo Hayes, who carried the title with “Him” energy for months, has no clear path to the extravaganza.

Social media and fan reactions have strongly supported adding Hayes to the match, with many arguing that a Triple Threat match between Zayn, Williams, and Carmelo would better utilize his recent success and talent.

Many fans find it hard to accept that one of the company’s brightest young stars is sitting on the sidelines ahead of The Show of Shows.

#1. Pat McAfee revealing himself as Randy Orton’s mystery caller

The mystery caller storyline was one of the most intriguing elements of SmackDown for weeks. Randy Orton, leaning back into his Legend Killer roots, was seen taking advice from a shadowy figure who was supposedly pushing him to find his edge for his upcoming match against Cody Rhodes.

Theories ran wild. Would it be a returning Ted DiBiase Jr. for a Legacy reunion? Would it be Bob Orton? Maybe even a shocking return of a retired legend? Instead, the reveal was Pat McAfee. While McAfee is very popular and a great addition to WWE’s product, many fans felt that the reveal was disappointing. This is because it wasn’t the surprise they had expected based on the buildup.

They complained that making a commentator the mastermind behind Orton’s psychological change didn’t deliver the emotional impact the storyline needed. While McAfee brings a lively ‘Mania vibe, the storyline seemingly missed a chance for a deeper, more personal connection to Orton’s long and storied past.