The lead-up to WWE WrestleMania 42 has sparked considerable frustration among fans. Many are expressing dissatisfaction with the lackluster storylines and the excessive reliance on celebrity appearances, leading to significant criticism of Triple H's creative direction in recent weeks.

Typically, WrestleMania matches are developed through extensive storytelling over several months. However, this year, many matchups appear to have been thrown together without adequate buildup. For instance, the announcement of Gunther facing Seth Rollins lacked meaningful context, while the Intercontinental Championship Ladder match seems primarily focused on showcasing emerging talent rather than creating an engaging narrative.

In previous WrestleMania events, championships have been central to the feuds. This year, however, the creative focus has shifted away from them. The main event featuring CM Punk and Roman Reigns has leaned more towards personal jabs rather than emphasizing the significance of the World Heavyweight Championship. Similarly, the women's title storyline has concentrated on Rhea Ripley's interactions with IYO SKY, overshadowing Jade Cargill's reign.

Fans were excited about the potential return of Finn Balor's Demon persona at WrestleMania. Unfortunately, WWE chose to announce this on social media, which disappointed many. This decision was perceived as an attempt to boost ticket sales rather than enhance the storytelling, detracting from what could have been a significant moment between Balor and Dominik Mysterio.

In previous years, WrestleMania headliners frequently appeared on weekly shows to build excitement. This year, however, Roman Reigns has been largely absent from the promotional buildup, despite being part of the Night 2 main event. Additionally, Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi have also missed appearances on RAW. While this strategy may help prevent injuries, it has diminished the overall excitement leading up to the event.

Celebrity participation has always been a staple of WrestleMania, but this year, it seems to overshadow the actual wrestlers. Figures like Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll have been integrated into the Undisputed WWE Championship storyline, diverting attention from the history between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. The presence of additional celebrities such as Lil Yachty and Speed further emphasizes this imbalance, leaving talented wrestlers like Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov off the card.