Who Was the MVP of WrestleMania 42 Weekend?
As another WrestleMania season wraps up, it’s easy to focus on WWE. But, the indie scene once again proved it’s just as essential to the weekend.
This year delivered some incredible moments. Sandman’s retirement. Brodie Lee Jr. vs. Joey Janela. And arguably the best match of the entire weekend: Blue Panther vs. Último Guerrero at CMLL’s April 16 show.
But if we’re talking about the top show overall, the WrestleCon Mark Hitchcock Memorial SuperShow 2026 takes that spot without much debate.
Senka Akatsuki
If you’ve been following the joshi scene over the past couple of years, her name should already be on your radar. Senka Akatsuki is one of the most promising young wrestlers in the world today.
At just 20 years old, she’s already making a statement. Last year, she delivered one of the best matches of WrestleMania weekend in a thrilling five-minute sprint against Aja Kong. This year, she followed it up with a fun and unexpected clash against Chris Hero.
It feels like only a matter of time before one of the major joshi promotions, or even a top American company, comes calling. She’s a talent worth keeping a close eye on.
If you want to see more of her work, you can catch her in Sendai Girls’ and Marvelous shows, along with the occasional indie appearance across Japan.
Michael Oku
Michael Oku is one of the best independent wrestlers in the world, and it’s still surprising that none of the major promotions have managed to lock down his services alongside Amira. Even so, Oku continues to prove exactly why he’s held in such high regard every time he steps in the ring.
Here are Michael Oku’s matches from WrestleMania weekend worth checking out:
- vs. Charles Mason
- with Jetspeed (Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
- vs. Man Like DeReiss
Joey Janela
Joey Janela can’t be denied as a strong contender for MVP of WrestleMania weekend. While a lot of people will point to his match with Brodie Lee Jr. as one of the standout moments of the festivities, his impact went far beyond just one bout.
Joey Janela’s Spring Break X was once again one of the best shows of the entire weekend, which is no surprise at this point. When it comes to recommendations, the honest answer is simple. You should watch everything he was involved in. It’s a nonstop mix of chaos, creativity, and must-see indie wrestling.
Honorable Mentions
There are a lot of wrestlers that should be included in the MVP conversation:
- Brittnie Brooks
- Galeno del Mal
- Man Like DeReiss
- Jimmy Townsend
- Vaughn Vertigo
- The Invisible Man
The MVP of WrestleMania Weekend
Senka Akatsuki is a generational talent, and at just 20 years old, many already see her as a potential next major star in joshi wrestling. There’s an intensity to her that stands out; an energy that, at times, even draws comparisons to Katsuyori Shibata.
Senka can’t be denied, and in my opinion, she was the MVP of WrestleMania weekend.
