WWE WrestleMania 41: Full match-card predictions six months in advance
The anticipation for WrestleMania 41 is already at its peak. This year's Show of Shows in Philadelphia raised the bar and expectations for the 2025 edition of Mania, which is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on April 19 and 20.
With WWE moving to Netflix next year, many of its shows and premium live events will be available on the streaming service in international markets. WrestleMania 41 could break all the previous records and become one of the most-watched Manias ever. Several big names are already rumored to appear at next year's Show of Shows, and current storylines have also created excitement among fans.
Without further ado, let's look at some matches featuring big names that the Stamford-based promotion could book for WrestleMania XL.
#5. Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
The ongoing storyline between Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley, with Dominik Mysterio playing an important role, has grabbed a lot of eyeballs. While this feud has run its course, many believe it's time for Ripley to move on and face fresh opponents.
At Bad Blood this past Saturday, Raquel Rodriguez returned to the promotion and attacked Ripley during her match against Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship. This assault has created a lot of buzz among fans, who now want to see them locking horns on the main roster. There is a possibility that Mami and Morgan battle once again before ending their rivalry.
The Eradicator could then shift her focus to Rodriguez for attacking her at Bad Blood. They could clash multiple times on the Road to WrestleMania before ending their feud at The Grandest Stage of Them All in Las Vegas.
Both women have faced each other multiple times on the main roster. However, their 2021 feud on NXT remains one of the best on the brand. Ripley and Rodriguez competed in a Last Women Standing match at New Year's Evil 2021, where Raquel came on top.
#4. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins is one of the most anticipated matches in recent times. With both stars having real-life heat, fans were excited to see two former WWE Champions battle each other. Both stars were set to clash at WrestleMania 40, but Punk got injured during the Men's Royal Rumble match earlier this year, leading to the company changing its plans for The Show of Shows.
His unfortunate injury led to a new storyline against Drew McIntyre, which ended up becoming one of the best feuds this year. Seth Rollins was also part of this rivalry as he was the Special Guest Referee for their first encounter at SummerSlam. At Bad Blood 2024, the rivalry ended, with the former AEW World Champion picking the second victory over McIntyre.
On the fallout episode of RAW after Bad Blood, Punk announced that he would be taking a break following his Hell in a Cell match. Rollins then interrupted him and had a brief face-off. The Visionary even said that he would face The Second City Saint when he returns. Given the high stakes, the company could book this match at WrestleMania 41.
#3. Gunther vs. Goldberg
Gunther is the current World Heavyweight Champion. At Bad Blood 2024, we witnessed Goldberg make his return to the promotion after more than two years. The WCW veteran was in attendance for the premium live event in Atlanta.
Triple H made a historic announcement at Bad Blood when he introduced the Crown Jewel Championship. The Ring General soon interrupted The Game and came out to the ring. The World Heavyweight Champion went on to insult Goldberg in front of his son and wife, stating that the former Universal Champion is a "one-trick pony."
Goldberg jumped the barricade to teach Gunther a lesson before the security officials stopped him. However, Triple H later raised his hand, and Da Man seemingly warned Gunther that he was next.
The WWE Hall of Famer could return on the Road to WrestleMania and start a feud with the Austrian. This rivalry could include multiple matches, with the final bout hosted at WrestleMania 41.
#2. Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena
John Cena shocked the world this year when he announced that he is officially retiring from professional wrestling in 2025.
Cena is expected to work with several top stars during his retirement tour next year. However, The Cenation Leader could also look to win his 17th World Title and break Ric Flair's record, leading to him challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Title.
The match between The American Nightmare and The Leader of Cenation at WrestleMania 41 could be one of the biggest bouts of the decade. It could also be the ultimate passing-the-torch moment.
#1. Roman Reigns vs. The Rock was planned for WrestleMania 40
Roman Reigns is on the path to redemption this year after losing everything he had at WrestleMania. In a shocking twist, Solo Sikoa crowned himself as the new Tribal Chief during Reigns' hiatus and introduced his own version of The Bloodline.
The Original Tribal Chief is now on the hunt to get back to the top from scratch. However, WWE has already dropped multiple hints that The Rock could be behind all these misfortunes happening to Roman Reigns.
Both men were set to face each other in a singles match at this year's WrestleMania. However, those plans were changed after fans' backlash and massive support for Cody Rhodes. This led to the heel turn of The Great One and The American Nightmare getting reinserted in the storyline, and the rest is history.
The Final Boss could soon reveal himself as The Tribal Chief. Even Solo Sikoa almost ruined this twist at Bad Blood 2024. The People's Champion even dropped major hints and teases before WrestleMania 40 that his main target is to take the throne of Tribal Chief from Reigns.
The Rock and Roman Reigns could finally lock horns in a supreme showdown at WrestleMania 41 to settle The Bloodline Saga.