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Rey Mysterio made a stunning return to the biggest stage of them all at WrestleMania 42. The legendary luchadore entered the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match after recovering from a devastating injury that sidelined him for months. His comeback to championship action marked one of the most emotional moments across both nights of the event.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Match Type: Six-pack ladder match on April 19 for the Intercontinental Championship
- Participants: Rey Mysterio, Penta (champion), Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, and Rusev
- Return Status: Mysterio’s first match after fracturing ribs in January on WWE Raw
- Championship History: Mysterio has won the Intercontinental title twice during his career
The Incredible Comeback Story
Rey Mysterio suffered a serious rib fracture during a match against Austin Theory on January 26, 2026 WWE Raw. This injury kept him out of action for nearly three months, forcing him to miss several major events. However, the legendary wrestler fought back to full health and returned to competition at the grandest stage of all.
Before stepping into the ring, Mysterio told The Takedown on SI that he was more than 100% ready. His determination to compete in a ladder match just weeks after recovering showed his commitment to his craft and his passion for championship competition.
Rey Mysterio enters Intercontinental Title Ladder Match at WrestleMania 42
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Six Competitors Battle for IC Gold
The Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match featured six of WWE’s most explosive performers competing for the prestigious title. Penta came in as the defending champion, while challengers brought their own credentials to the bout. The ladder match stipulation added an extra layer of danger and unpredictability to the matchup.
Dragon Lee, Je’Von Evans, JD McDonagh, and Rusev rounded out the participant list. Each competitor brought unique skills, high-flying ability, and championship aspirations to their WrestleMania moment.
Match Details and Participants
| Competitor | Status |
| Penta | Champion (defending) |
| Rey Mysterio | Returning from injury |
| Je’Von Evans | Challenger |
| Dragon Lee | Challenger |
| JD McDonagh | Challenger |
| Rusev | Challenger |
“I’m more than 100%. I’m excited. I’m an adrenaline junkie. The ladder match is a perfect fit for me.”
— Rey Mysterio, Exclusive Interview with The Takedown on SI
A Historic Ladder Match Return
Mysterio revealed that competing in a ladder match immediately after an injury was something he’d never done before in his WWE career. However, he’s famous for returning from major injuries and stepping right back into high-profile matches. He compared his comeback to his days in WCW, when he returned quickly from serious injuries to face top competitors.
The dangerous stipulation made his return even more remarkable. Ladder matches require agility, timing, and physicality, yet Mysterio showed no hesitation in accepting the challenge at WrestleMania.
What Made This Match So Special at WrestleMania 42?
Rey Mysterio became the final entrant added to the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match, announced during the April 6 episode of WWE Raw. His inclusion created major buzz and excitement among fans who had missed watching the legendary competitor perform. The match represented his WrestleMania moment after overcoming a serious setback just weeks earlier.
For a performer with two previous Intercontinental Championship reigns, winning the title would have been a significant accomplishment. Whether competing for pride or aiming for gold, Mysterio’s presence elevated the entire match card and added an emotional storyline to the event’s action.
Sources
- Sports Illustrated – Rey Mysterio shares exclusive health update ahead of WrestleMania return
- WWE.com – Official Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match card information
- Bleacher Report – WrestleMania 42 results and match recap coverage
