Internal Debate Intensifies Over Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 Opponent as Retirement Rumors Swirl

Brock Lesnar is rumored to face Oba Femi at WrestleMania 42, but backstage reports suggest Lesnar wants to remain undefeated until his 2026 retirement.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 12:11 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Wrestling Inc.

The Road to Las Vegas: Lesnar vs. Femi?

With WrestleMania 42 just over a month away, the WWE creative team is reportedly finalizing a marquee match for "The Beast Incarnate," Brock Lesnar. Despite persistent fan theories regarding a long-awaited collision with "The Ring General" Gunther, internal sources suggest that former NXT standout Oba Femi is the current frontrunner to answer Lesnar’s open challenge. The foundation for this match was laid during the 2026 Royal Rumble, where Femi—making his thunderous main roster debut at number one—engaged in a high-intensity staredown with Lesnar before being eliminated by the veteran after nearly 50 minutes of action.

The "Undefeated" Impasse

A significant hurdle in the booking process has surfaced regarding the match’s finish. Insider reports claim that Paul Heyman and Lesnar have communicated to management that Lesnar should not "job" or lose any matches leading up to his final career chapter. This presents a conundrum for Chief Content Officer Triple H, as both Oba Femi and Gunther are positioned as future anchors of the company who would traditionally benefit from a victory over a legend like Lesnar. If Lesnar refuses to lose at WrestleMania, it may lead to a shift in opponents, with names like LA Knight reportedly being discussed as "safe" alternatives who could absorb a loss without damaging their long-term trajectory.

Gunther: The "Career Killer" Waiting in the Wings

While Femi is the favored choice for WrestleMania, many insiders believe Gunther is being reserved for a much larger stage. Gunther has recently been dubbed the "Career Killer" after high-profile matches that served as the final outings for icons Goldberg, AJ Styles, and John Cena (who retired at the end of 2025). Logic within the industry suggests that if Lesnar is to retire this year, Gunther is the most fitting candidate to deliver the final blow. However, this has fueled speculation that Lesnar will defeat Femi at WrestleMania to maintain his aura before a high-stakes "Career vs. Streak" style match at SummerSlam.