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LAS VEGAS – A 6-man ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship featuring some of WWE’s top superstars proved to be one of the most exciting matches of WrestleMania 42.
Penta hoped to leave Las Vegas as he came – as a champion. He had to fend off Je’Von Evans, JD McDonagh, Rusev and Dragon Lee to do so.
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Penta celebrates after defeating Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev and Rey Mysterio in the Intercontinental Championship Ladder match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The reigning champion’s in-ring prowess proved too much for the five challengers as he was able to climb the ladder, grab the title and retain the Intercontinental Championship. But it didn’t come without some insane blemishes.
Penta and McDonagh battled for position at the top of the ladder with another ladder wedged between the corner and the ladder the two wrestlers were standing on. Penta got into position and hit McDonagh with a brutal Mexican Destroyer.
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Je’Von Evans climbs the ropes during the Intercontinental Championship Ladder match at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Mysterio also used the ladder for evil. With Rusev standing on the apron, and Penta in between, Mysterio jumped off the ropes and used Penta as a springboard to crush Rusev through a ladder set up between the announce table and the apron.
Evans was also hugely impressive.
The “leaping” flew high above the ring at several points during the match. He hit several OG Cutters on his opponents using his jumping abilities to take out his opponents. Evans nearly grabbed the Intercontinental Championship, but Rusev interrupted his shot.
Finally, Penta hit another Mexican Destroyer on Evans and found himself all alone in the ring. He went to the top of the ladder and grabbed the belt for the win.
Rusev battles Je’Von Evans in the Intercontinental Championship Ladder match against JD McDonagh, Dragon Lee, Penta and Rey Mysterio during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Penta has been champion since March when he defeated Dominik Mysterio.
