WWE WrestleMania 41 – Match Card, Storylines and Predictions

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena – Undisputed WWE Championship

John Cena officially announced his retirement from WWE at the 2024 Money In The Bank, saying that WWE WrestleMania 41 will be his last Mania ever and that he will retire from WWE by the end of 2025. Cena kicked off his farewell tour at the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble PLE, where he came out as the runner-up. Cena then appeared on the Royal Rumble 2025 Post-Show saying that he would be entering the 2025 Men’s Elimination Chamber match saying that it would be “best for business.” 

Meanwhile, The Rock also made his return to WWE on the Feb. 21st edition of WWE SmackDown and offered Cody Rhodes to become his Champion. The Rock tells Rhodes that he can have all of what he and his family have ever dreamed of if he joins him as his champion. The Rock told Rhode that he could give him his answer at the 2025 Elimination Chamber. Then at the 2025 WWE Elimination Chamber PLE in Toronto, Cena managed to overcome his opponents and win the 2025 Men’s Elimination Chamber match to punch his ticket to WWE WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

Immediately following Cena’s win it was time for Rhodes to make his decision about the Rock’s offer. Rhodes came down to the ring to congratulate his WrestleMania 41 opponent followed by the arrival of the Rock alongside Travis Scott. The Rock came to town to ring and asked Rhode to become his Champion. Rhodes denied the offer saying that he had given his soul to the ring and his fans a long time ago. Rhodes also said, “Hey Rock, Go F**k yourself.”

Meanwhile, Cena turned on Rhodes by hitting him with a low blow and joining the Rock. This one moment made headlines all across the world as Cena turned heel for the first time in his career since 2003. Rhodes then responded to the Rock and Cena on the Mar. 7th edition of WWE SmackDown, telling Cena that he would not hold back when they meet at WWE WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

Rhodes then appeared on the Mar. 10th edition of WWE Raw in Madison Square Garden saying that Cena would be on the show here next week, before ultimately calling him out on the Mar. 14th edition of WWE SmackDown.

Cena and Rhodes finally met on the Mar. 17th edition of WWE Raw for the first time since the Elimination Chamber PLE. Cena made a really promising promo in his heel character saying that he is breaking up with the fans. Meanwhile, Rhodes confronted Cena saying that he wish to face the real John Cena at WWE WrestleMania 41 and not a “whiny b*tch”.

Rhodes and Cena then met on the Mar. 24th edition of WWE Raw where Cena did one the finest work of this whole new character. Talking to the fans Cena stated that “I am going to ruin wrestling for every fan, for every wrestler, for everyone.” Cena also said: “I will win that championship and retire with it.” Rhodes laid out the championship in front of Cena asking him to touch it as he walked away.

By this time fans have been begging to see both of them going at each other. Then on the Mar. 31st edition of WWE Raw Cena met Rhodes again and called him a mediocre and people pleaser. Rhodes replied saying how he sold his soul to the rock telling Cena that he is still his hero, but also a piece of sh*t. Cena had enough and went for Rhodes who put him down with a Cross Rhodes.

Cena and Rhodes had their final face-off on the Apr. 18th edition of WWE SmackDown when Rhodes hit Cena with a Cross Rhodes, saying that in 2025, he still can’t wrestle.

My Prediction: Cody Rhodes

Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair – WWE Women’s Championship at WWE WrestleMania 41

Charlotte Flair made her long-awaited return to WWE when she came back and won the 2025 Women’s WWE Royal Rumble match. Flair then appeared on all WWE weekly shows before picking Tiffany Stratton as her opponent on the Feb. 14th edition of WWE SmackDown.

Flair then appeared on the Feb. 21st edition of WWE SmackDown where she mocked Stratton by pointing at the WWE WrestleMania 41 sign after she got attacked by Candice LeRae and Nia Jax. Flair finally hit the first strike at Stratton on the Mar. 7th edition of WWE SmackDown, when she locked her into the figure-eight leglock after her singles match against Piper Niven.

Stratton came out for Flair in return on the Mar. 14th edition of WWE SmackDown after her match against B-Fab. Even after winning the match, Flair did not release the figure-four leglock which led to a massive brawl between both Stratton and Flair. They even hijacked a few early moments of the MizTV where Stratton delivered the Prettiest Moonsault Ever from the top of the stage on Flair.

Flair and Stratton then met in an interview segment on the Mar. 21st edition of WWE SmackDown, where Flair told Stratton that she is delusional if she thinks that she is similar to her in any way. Stratton replied to the Queen saying, her time is now over and that things here now run on Tiffany’s time. Both women’s them met on the Apr. 4th edition of WWE SmackDown where they fired a lot of personal shots at each other including when Stratton mocked Flair for her 3 ex-boyfriends saying she ‘0-3’.

Stratton then had a match with Roxanne Perez on the Apr. 11th edition of WWE SmackDown where Flair attacked her right after she won the match.

My Prediction: Tiffany Stratton

Gunther (c) defends his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso at WWE WrestleMania 41

Jey Uso lost to Gunther at the Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXVIII for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship just one week before he won the 2025 Men’s WWE Royal Rumble match. Jey appeared on the post-show saying that he wanted to face Gunther again but he did not make any official announcement about it. Jey then appeared on the Feb. 3rd edition of WWE Raw, where he met ‘The Ring General’ Gunther who told him that he would destroy him at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas if he picked him as his opponent.

Jey then appeared on the Feb. 7th edition of WWE SmackDown, where he also had a meeting with the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes — before making any official announcement. After meeting Rhodes on the blue brand, Jey then appeared on the Feb. 10th edition of WWE Raw — where he got attacked by Gunther. Jey answered back the WWE World Heavyweight Champion with some offense of his own and picked him as his opponent for WWE WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

Jey and Gunther then met on the Feb. 17th edition of WWE Raw, where Gunther delivered a promo as he trash-talked Jey saying that he’s better than him and that “Tonight, I wanna feel what the Yeet is all about”. Gunther also involved Michael Cole and Pat McAfee in the mix, asking them if Jey can beat him at WrestleMania. Jey also arrived on the scene as he took the fight to Gunther before officials finally separated them.

Gunther — who is in pursuit of establishing himself as a villainous champion had a singles match with Akira Tozawa on the Feb. 24th edition of WWE Raw. Gunther attacked both Tozawa and Otis after the match before Jey arrived on the scene to help his friends as he made the WWE World Heavyweight Champion retreat. Gunther then had a singles match with Otis on the Mar. 3rd edition of WWE Raw, where he took out both Tozawa and Otis after winning the match. Jey once again arrived on the scene to help his friends but got choked by Gunther with a little assistance from Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.

Jey then had a singles match on the Mar. 3rd edition of WWE Raw against Grayson Waller where he once again got attacked by Gunther who choked him out after little assistance by Theory and Waller. Gunther once again laid out the trap on Jey on the Mar. 10th edition of WWE Raw when he choked him out once again after his another match against Waller.

Gunther then began to play his mind games with Jey as he met Jimmy Uso on the Mar. 14th edition of WWE SmackDown asking him to warn his brother about his match at WWE WrestleMania 41. Meanwhile, continuing his ongoing beef with the A-Town Down Under Jey defeated Austin Theory on the Mar. 17th edition of WWE Raw. Gunther once again tried to ambush Jey was ready this time and made the champion retreat.

The Usos finally got reunited for a tag team match on the Mar. 24th edition of WWE Raw where they defeated A-Town Down Under. Gunther tried to attack both Jimmy and Jey after the match but they made him retreat. Jimmy then challenged Gunther to a singles match on the Mar. 31st edition of WWE Raw but was unable to pick up the win against the ring general. Gunther then attacked Jimmy after the match and busted open his forehead while Jey was tied to the ring watching everything helplessly.

Jey then confronted Gunther on the Apr. 7th edition of WWE Raw saying after what he did to his brother right in front of his eyes he no longer has any fear for him and that at WrestleMania he will beat him.

Gunther then delivered his final promo on the Apr. 14th edition of WWE Raw saying that he will beat the living hell out of Jey and walk out of WrestleMania 41 as Champion. Jey also responded to Gunther later on the show, saying that he will whop his a** on Mania at Allegiant Stadium.

My Prediction: Jey Uso

Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley – Women’s World Championship

Bianca Belair won the 2025 Women’s Elimination Chamber match to earn the right to challenge for the Women’s World Championship at WWE WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley gave Iyo Sky a shot at her Women’s World Championship on the Mar. 3rd edition of WWE Raw since she cost Sky her qualifying match for the Women’s Elimination Chamber. Ripley lost her focus on the match due to Belair’s presence at the ringside which cost her the match and Sky became the new Women’s World Champion.

Belair and Sky were then scheduled for an interview on the Mar. 10th edition of WWE Raw where Michael Cole made a strong point saying it was Belair who was the reason why Sky beat Ripley. Ripley then arrived on the scene as she began arguing with Belair. This made Sky angry as she slapped both of them and left the ring.

Sky and Belair then meet at the Mar. 17th edition of WWE Raw for their official Contract signing for WrestleMania 41. Ripley appeared on the segment and attacked both Sky and Belair and also signed the contract as well. Ripley, Sky, and Belair then had a backstage brawl later that night where Ripley once again stood tall as she laid them out both with her brutality.

All three of these womens then met on the Mar. 24th edition of WWE Raw, where GM Adam Pearce gave Ripley her rematch on the following episode of Raw with Belair as the special guest referee, followed by a small brawl between all three of them.

Ripley then challenged Sky for the Women’s World Championship on the Mar. 31st edition of WWE Raw. Belair did a great job of officiating the match but became a victim of the offensive maneuvers of Sky and Ripley throughout the match. Ripley also slapped Belair during the match before had enough and ended the match with double disqualification, allowing Sky to retain her Championship. All three of the women began to fight after the match before Ripley took them both out.

After weeks and weeks of chaos, GM Adam Pearce finally made the big announcement on the Apr. 7th edition of WWE Raw by Ripley to the match as well — turning it into a triple threat match.

My Prediction: Rhea Ripley

Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns – Triple threat match

Before becoming the Head of the Table and The Visionary, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns used to be the mercenaries for CM Punk as part of The Shield, before he left WWE years ago and made his return at the 2023 WWE Survivor Series: WarGames. Although his return was well received by fans there were people at the time, Rollins and Drew McIntyre who were just not happy about any of that. Punk then participated in the 2024 Royal Rumble match where he got injured and was forced to miss the WrestleMania XL.

Punk was then involved in a rivalry between Rollins and McIntyre, where he also cost McIntyre his newly won World Heavyweight Championship after an attack on him at WrestleMania XL which allowed Damian Priest to cash in his Money in the Bank contract and walk out of Mania as the Champion. Punk then went on to cost McIntyre a few more shots at the championship during his matches against Priest — going even further as costing him Money in the Bank cash. Punk later got cleared and went on to have an epic rivalry with McIntyre before going into the hiatus.

Punk later made his return when he joined forces with Reigns to battle alongside at the Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 in return for a favor from Paul Heyman — which is yet to be called upon. Although Reigns and Punk came out victorious, this new alliance made Rollins absolutely furious as he saw his two biggest enemies standing side by side with each other.

This led to a one-on-one match between Rollins and Punk on the Debut episode of WWE Raw on Netflix, where Punk came out victorious. This whole situation caught fire when Rollins, Punk, and Reigns met each other in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match where Punk eliminated both Rollins and Reigns while they tried to throw each other out. Punk also got eliminated a few seconds later which led to a brawl fight between the three of them. In the mix of all that fight, Rollins stomped Reigns into the steel steps putting him out of action for the next few weeks. Meanwhile, Rollins and Punk once again found themself standing against each other in the 2025 Men’s Elimination Chamber match. Punk eliminated Rollins from the match before he attacked him — allowing Cena to win that match.

Both Punk and Rollins then had a massive brawl on the following episode of WWE Raw, which led to a steel cage match between both of them. The two then face each other on the Mar. 10th edition of WWE Raw in Madison Square Garden where Reigns made his return during their match and attacked Rollins for what he did to him the Royal Rumble PLE. Reigns then saw his Wiseman Paul Heyman alongside Punk inside the cage before he eventually went after Punk as well.

All three of them then came into the same ring on the Mar. 21st edition of WWE SmackDown where Punk went after Reigns. Rollins also joined the mix as a brawl between all three of them then continued. A Triple threat match was later made official by the WWE.

They then met on the Mar. 28th edition of WWE SmackDown to sign the contract for their WWE WrestleMania 41 match. During that segment, Heyman unveiled that this match would be the main event the Night 1 of WrestleMania — telling Punk that his lifelong dream had become a reality. Meanwhile, Reigns asked Punk to acknowledge him for making his biggest dream come true. Punk replied saying this is not the actual favor that Heyman owes him.

Punk then met both Reigns and Rollins on Apr. 4th edition of WWE SmackDown where he unveiled his favor saying he wants Paul Heyman in his corner at WWE WrestleMania 41. Punk also hit Reigns with a GTS moments later as both Heyman and Rollins looked on.

Rollins then met Heyman on the Apr. 7th edition of WWE Raw telling him how both Punk and Reigns used him in the past for their own good and never came for his help when he got attacked by Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline. Rollins also mentioned when Punk helped in the WarGames in return for a favor. Rollins then tried to get a little physical with Heyman before Punk came out to help his friend. Rollins then stomped Punk and left Heyman in the ring saying: “Now, you owe me a favor”.

Rollins and Reigns then met one last time on the Apr. 14th edition of WWE Raw, where Reigns questioned Heyman’s loyalty towards him. While Rollins told Reigns that Heyman is not in Punk’s corner by chance, but by choice. He then also warned Reigns that Heyman is betraying him for Punk. Reigns then had enough and attacked both Rollins and Heyman before CM Punk also arrived on the scene. A brawl between all three of them then began, with Rollins standing tall on top.

My Prediction: Seth Rollins

AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul – Singles match

AJ Styles made his return to WWE when he entered the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match at ‘No.21 and was eliminated by Logan Paul. Styles was later sent to WWE Raw as part of the transfer window. Styles then came for the aid of Andrew Schulz on the Mar. 10th edition of WWE Raw when he was attacked by Paul.

Paul and Styles then met face-to-face on the Mar. 31st edition of WWE Raw, where Paul provoked Styles and declined his challenge for a match saying he does not “fight for free”. A brawl between both of them then began where Paul got the upper hand after pointing at the WWE WrestleMania 41 sign. GM Adam Pearce later made a match official between both of them.

Styles then defeated Karrion Kross on the Apr. 14th edition of WWE Raw before Paul arrived on the scene and took him out after the destruction caused by Kross.

My Prediction: AJ Styles

LA Knight (c) vs. Jacob Fatu – WWE United States Championship

LA Knight defeated Shinsuke Nakamura on the Mar. 7th edition of WWE SmackDown to finally reclaim the United States Championship for the second time in his career. Knight then teamed with Braun Strowman and Jimmy Uso and defeated Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga in a 6-Man Tag Team match on Mar. 14th edition of WWE SmackDown. Fatu attacked Strowman after the match and challenged him to a match the following week. Strowman and Fatu then faced each other on the Mar. 21st edition of WWE SmackDown where Strowman defeated Fatu to become the No.1 Contender for the WWE United States Championship — via disqualification after an attack by Tama Tonga and Solo Sikoa.

Strowman then challenged Knight for the US Championship on the Mar. 28th edition of WWE SmackDown where Fatu attacked both Strowman and Knight during the match while Strowman got the win via disqualification. After weeks of chaos, Strowman and Fatu met in a Last Man Standing Match on the Apr. 4th edition of WWE SmackDown, where Fatu defeated Strowman to become the No.1 Contender for the United States Championship and earn the right to challenge Knight at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

Knight competed in a tag team match alongside Randy Orton on the Apr. 11th edition of WWE SmackDown where they defeated Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga. Knight was then attacked by Fatu right after the match ended.

Knight then had a singles match against Sikoa on the Apr. 18th edition of WWE SmackDown, which got turned into a tag team match when Fatu attacked Knight, and Strowman arrived on the scene to Knight. Knight and Strowman then defeated Sikoa and Fatu in the tag team match.

My Prediction: LA Knight

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria and N/A – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship

WWE SmackDown GM Nick Aldis made an announcement on the Apr. 4th edition of WWE SmackDown saying that teams from both WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown will compete in a Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet match on the following episode of WWE SmackDown and the winners will earn a chance to challenge Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez for their Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria defeated 5 other teams on the Apr. 11th edition of WWE SmackDown to run the gauntlet and earn the right to challenge Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 41.

Bayley also pulled off a victory over Morgan on the Apr. 14th edition of WWE Raw, with a little assist from her friend Valkyria on the ringside. Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez attacked Bayley during the Countdown to WrestleMania 41: Saturday, which led to Valkyria finding a new partner for her before the match.

My Prediction: Lyra Valkyria and N/A

Jade Cargill vs. Naomi – Singles match

Jade Cargill was attacked backstage on the Nov. 22nd, 2024, edition of WWE SmackDown and was ruled unable to compete for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Cargill and Bianca Belair’s friend Naomi stepped to help Belair defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Belair and Naomi then launch an investigation to find out the culprit behind the attack on their friend Cargill. They then suspected Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the attack on Cargill which led to a Women’s Tag Team Championship on the Feb. 24th edition of WWE Raw — where they lost their championships to Morgan and Rodriguez.

Belair and Naomi then qualified for the 2025 Women’s Elimination Chamber match, where Cargill made her return and attacked Naomi — forcing her out of the match. Then on the Mar. 7th edition of WWE SmackDown Naomi told Belair that indeed it was her behind the attack on Cargill before Belair left the ring in tears and Cargill came out to attack Naomi once again.

Morgan then challenged Cargill to match on the Mar. 21st edition of WWE SmackDown saying that due to her silence, everyone blamed her and Rodriguez for that attack on her. Naomi made her presence during that match, distracting Cargill which allowed Morgan to pick up the win. Naomi then began to attack Cargill after the match but no one could stop her.

Naomi then issued a warning to Cargill on the Mar. 28th edition of WWE SmackDown to which Cargill replied saying she would drop her on sight. Naomi also attacked Michin but ran away when Cargill came out to help her friend. Cargill once again came after Naomi on the Apr. 4th edition of WWE SmackDown when she attacked before and after her singles match against B-fab. GM Nick Aldis then announced a match between both Cargill and Naomi for WrestleMania 41.

My Prediction: Jade Cargill

Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta vs. Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio – Fatal four-way match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship

Bron Breakker has been an unstoppable force ever since he became the WWE Intercontinental Champion back in Oct 2024 — crushing every opponent in his path. 

Dominik Mysterio had a match with AJ Styles on the Feb. 17th edition of WWE Raw which he unfortunately lost. Breakker tried to spear Styles after the match but accidentally hit Mysterio. Mysterio and Breakker then met in a non-title singles match on the Feb. 24th edition of WWE Raw where Carlito and Finn Bálor attacked Breakker during the match — allowing him to pick up the win via disqualification. Breakker also took out both Carlito and Mysterio after the match and had a brief faceoff with Bálor.

Then on the Mar. 17th edition of WWE Raw Bálor challenged Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship but was unable to pick up the win. Bálor also rejected Mysterio’s idea of adding Penta to Judgment Day as a replacement for JD McDonagh — earlier on that same show prior to the match. Bálor also called Mysterio a snake for even thinking of replacing McDonagh. During the match against Balor, Penta came out to help Breakker against the duo of Carlito and Mysterio. He then also had a flight faceoff with Breakker as he showed the champ his intentions of winning the Intercontinental Championship.

Penta then challenged Breakker for the Championship of the Mar. 24th edition of WWE Raw which ended via disqualification after Mysterio and Carlito both jumped into the match and attacked both competitors. Balor also joined the party and the three of them then began to attack Breakker as the match as well. They took out Penta as well after he refused to join them.

Balor and Mysterio then defeated Penta and Breakker in a tag team match on the Mar. 31st edition of WWE Raw, after Breakker accidentally hit Penta with the spear during the match. Penta and Breakker then also had a heated argument backstage over that botch spear.

After weeks and weeks of chaos, GM Adam Pearce then made an announcement saying Breakker would defend his Intercontinental Championship in a Fatal four-way match at WrestleMania 41. Penta then defeated Mysterio in a singles match on the Apr. 7th edition of WWE Raw, before Balor and Mysterio both attacked him. Breakker then came out to the aid of Penta he wiped out the Judgment Day. Balor also tried to attempt a sneak attack on Breakker — who had him scouted and made him run away.

Dominik Mysterio and Finn Bálor then attacked Bron Breakker on the Apr. 14th edition of WWE Raw, who then responded by attacking both of them during Bálor’s match against Penta. Penta then took out Breakker in the ring, after he cost him the match.

My Prediction: Dominik Mysterio

Rey Fenix vs. El Grande Americano – Singles match

After suffering a losing streak against Luchadors, Chad Gable asked GM Adam Pearce to put him in a match against the best Luchador which later turned out to be Penta. Gable once again lost to another Luchador on the Jan. 13th edition of WWE Raw only this time it was Penta.

These constant defeats made Gable frustrated before Dominik Mysterio referred him to someone on the Jan. 20th edition of WWE Raw who could help him solve his Lucha problem. Gable then made his return on the Mar. 10th edition of WWE Raw wearing a Lucha mask and costing Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee a Tornado Tag Team match against The New Day. Gable later appeared in an interview segment during that show saying it was not him.

LWO then defeated Creed Brothers in a tag team match on the Mar. 17th edition of WWE Raw before Gable attacked both Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio — while hiding his identity using a Lucha mask. Gable then defeated Dragon Lee on the Mar. 24th edition of WWE Raw, which marked his first match in WWE with his new persona of El Grande Americano.

American Made and El Grande Americano then defeated LWO in a 6-man Tag Team match on the Apr. 7th edition of WWE Raw by using some underhanded tactics. Mysterio then went to GM Adam Pearce saying that Gable is just making fun of the art and tradition of Lucha Libre and that he wants to face him in a match. Pearce accepted the match and asked Mysterio to choose the place — as he picked the Grandest Stage of Them All.

Americano then attacked Mysterio on the Apr. 14th edition of WWE Raw after he defeated Julius Creed in a singles match. Mysterio then teamed with Dragon Lee and Rey Fenix on the Apr. 18th edition of WWE SmackDown and defeated Gable, Julius Creed, and Brutus Creed in a 6-man tag team match.

Mysterio then appeared on the Countdown to WrestleMania 41 Saturday show and announced that Rey Fenix would replace him in the match at WrestleMania due to injury.

My Prediction: Rey Fenix

Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest – Singles match

Drew McIntyre finally had his crowning moment at WrestleMania XL when he defeated Seth Rollins to become the World Heavyweight Champion in front of the live fans in attendance. But this short-lived dream turned into a nightmare for McIntyre when he taunted CM Punk after the match — who was sitting on the commentary desk. Punk attacked McIntyre with his arm brace, which allowed Priest to seize the opportunity and walk out of WrestleMania as the new World Heavyweight Champion after successfully cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.

On his path to vengeance, McIntyre won the 2024 Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match and attempted to cash in later that same night during a match between Damian Priest (c) and Seth “Freakin” Rollins by turning it into a triple threat match, before Punk once again cost him the opportunity and allowed Priest to retain the championship. McIntyre then challenged Priest to a match at the 2024 Clash at the Castle in his homeland of Scotland, where he once again lost due to interference by Punk.

McIntyre then went on to have an epic rivalry with Punk later that year before they both finally crossed paths during the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble and 2025 Men’s Elimination Chamber match where Priest got the better of McIntyre when he eliminated him in both matches. McIntyre also attacked Priest in anger when he eliminated him from the Elimination Chamber match.

McIntyre then attacked Priest backstage on the Mar. 7th edition of WWE SmackDown before the show even began. Priest returned the favor later that night when he attacked McIntyre after his match against Jimmy Uso. McIntyre then appeared in a promo segment on the Mar. 14th edition of WWE SmackDown saying how Priest robbed him at the biggest moment of his career. McIntyre then also attacked Priest later that night during his match against Shinsuke Nakamura.

Jimmy Uso and Priest then defeated McIntyre and Nakamura in a tag team match on the Mar. 21st edition of WWE SmackDown where McIntyre attacked Priest by hitting him with a Claymore kick. McIntyre also made a statement later that night saying he would be at WWE SmackDown next week, and if Priest wants he can come and find him.

Priest then appeared on the Mar. 28th edition of WWE SmackDown and hit McIntyre with a South of Heaven Chokeslam on the windshield of a car in the parking area. Priest then also appeared on the Apr. 4th edition of WWE SmackDown where he challenged McIntyre to a match at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas and also called him out for the next week.

McIntyre and Priest then met on the Apr. 11th edition of WWE SmackDown where the two had an epic brawl between them. It was also then announced that their match at WrestleMania 41 would now be a Sin City Street Fight.

My Prediction: Damian Priest

The War Raiders (c) vs. The New Day – World Tag Team Championship

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods turned heel on the Dec. 2nd edition of WWE Raw when they removed Big E from the New Day during their 10th-anniversary Celebration and set their eyes on winning the World Tag Team Championship. Kingston and Woods then asked GM Adam Pearce to give them an opportunity to challenge for the World Tag Team Championship. Pearce then put them in a tag team match on the Mar. 21st edition of WWE Raw against the returning Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, saying they have to prove themselves.

Kingston and Woods picked up the win then had a slight faceoff with the War Raiders after the match. Kingston and Woods then defeated Erik and Ivar via disqualification on the Apr. 7th edition of WWE Raw and even attacked them after the match.

GM Adam Pearce then announced via Instagram on Apr.11 that the War Raiders will defend their World Tag Team Championship against the New Day at WrestleMania 41.

My Prediction: The New Day

Randy Orton’s open challenge for WrestleMania

After Randy Orton’s match against Kevin Owens was canceled due to Owens’ neck injury. Orton took the matter into his own hands on the final WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania and threw an open challenge for anyone who wanted to step up.

Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens – “Match got canceled due to Owens’ neck injury”

Kevin Owens fought alongside Cody Rhodes to help him dethrone Roman Reigns and his regime at WrestleMania XL. But when Rhodes teamed up with Reigns to help at the 2024 Bad Blood PLE, Owens snapped and went after Rhodes — attacking him in the parking arena of State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Randy Orton who was the mutual friend of both Owens and Rhodes tried to play the peacekeeper but instead got attacked by Owens as well.

They were then scheduled to have a singles match at the 2024 Crown Jewel PLE which got canceled after they got into a brawl before the match ever began. Another brawl between Owens and Orton then took place on the following episode of WWE SmackDown where Owens hit Orton with a package piledriver as well.

Orton then made his return to WWE at the 2025 Elimination Chamber PLE in Toronto, where he attacked Owens after his Unsanctioned match against Sami Zayn — when tried to hit a powerbomb to Zayn on the exposed concrete. Orton then appeared on the Mar. 7th edition of WWE SmackDown saying that he coming for revenge on Owens and that he would soon Punt kick Owens. He then competed in a singles match against Carmelo Hayes on the Mar. 14th edition of WWE SmackDown, where he tried to offer his respect to the newcomer who answered back with pure disrespect. Orton tried to teach the young man a lesson before Owens attacked him — allowing Hayes to run away.

The Viper then appeared on the Mar. 21st edition of WWE SmackDown where he challenged Owens to a match. He also talked about how Owens has gone from being “Fight Owens Fight” to “B***h Owens B***h”. Later on that show, a match was announced between both of them to take place at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

Orton then had a singles match against Drew McIntyre on the Mar. 28th edition of WWE SmackDown which he lost due to a ringside distraction by Owens. Orton and Owens had a fight after the match where Owens tried to hit another Package piledriver while Orton attempted a Punt kick on him. But they both escaped each other.

On the Apr. 4th edition of WWE SmackDown Owens announced that he has been dealing with a neck injury for the last four months and he now needs to go get surgery thus this match has now been cancelled. Orton also hit an RKO on the GM Nick Aldis after hearing the news.

Orton then met GM Nick Aldis on the Apr. 11th edition of WWE SmackDown saying that he really wants to be on the WrestleMania card this year since it will be his 20th Mania this year. Going as far as making it clear that he wants to face Aldis at WrestleMania 41.