WrestleMania 41 did not go exactly as initially planned, with several changes along the way, as revealed in WWE’s upcoming Netflix series “WWE: Unreal” set for 2025. Let’s review the originally scheduled matches, the alterations made, and the potential adjustments that transformed this event into an unforgettable showcase.
Ladder Matches for the US and Intercontinental Championships:
WrestleMania 41 did not feature any ladder matches, although they were initially scheduled for both nights. The entire midcard title plans were modified. Jay Uso was set to defend the Intercontinental title against Damian Priest, Sami Zayn, Sheamus, Bronson Reed, and Ludwig Kaiser, most likely having defeated Breakker on the way. The US title match was to include champion La Knight facing Jimmy Uso, Andrade, Solo Sikoa, Santos Escobar, Carmelo Hayes, and Shinsuke Nakamura, but ultimately, Bron Breakker defended against Dominik Mysterio, Penta, and Finn Balor, while La Knight fought Jacob Fatu for the US Championship.
Bad Bunny vs. Dominik Mysterio:
Bad Bunny, a highly successful celebrity wrestler for WWE, was scheduled for another celebrity match against Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania. However, Bad Bunny did not appear, and instead, Mysterio won the Intercontinental Championship, creating one of the weekend’s standout moments.
AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul:
This match went ahead as planned, though the build-up lacked energy and story depth. Nevertheless, it remained one of the more anticipated matches on the WrestleMania card.
Bron Breakker vs. Drew McIntyre (Special Guest Referee: Steve Austin):
Initially, Steve Austin was set to serve as a special guest referee for this match, but plans shifted as Breakker and McIntyre pursued different storylines. Breakker got involved in a bloody feud unrelated to McIntyre, who focused on Damian Priest, while Austin’s biggest moment was a stunt involving a 4-wheeler.
Rey Mysterio (with Travis Scott) vs. Chad Gable:
This match was planned until Rey Mysterio was injured shortly before the event and replaced by Rey Phoenix. Travis Scott participated in a WWE title match instead of accompanying Mysterio in the ring.
Iyo Sky & Asuka vs. Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair (WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship):
Sky and Asuka were originally set to win the Women’s Tag Team titles, but plans changed drastically. Asuka was not back, Sky went into the world title picture, Flair won the Royal Rumble, and Lynch became Lyla Valkyria’s surprise partner following Bayley’s injury.
Wyatt Sids vs. Judgment Day:
Scheduled as a factional war at WrestleMania, this match never occurred. WWE delayed Wyatt Sids’ return until after the event, leaving this feud and match unresolved.
Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens:
Despite a long rivalry, Owens had to withdraw due to a neck injury, leaving Orton without an opponent. Orton issued an open challenge at WrestleMania, which was answered by TNA world champion Joe Hendry, creating a fun moment.
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins:
Originally set as a singles match, WWE added CM Punk to the storyline, turning it into a triple threat match. Rollins ultimately won the main event on WrestleMania Saturday.
Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill (WWE Women’s Championship):
Jade Cargill was expected to win the Royal Rumble and feature prominently at WrestleMania. However, after an injury and a storyline attack by Naomi, Tiffany Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank contract to defeat Jax for the title. Charlotte Flair won the Royal Rumble and challenged Stratton, shifting the original title scene significantly.
Fan Take: These WWE twists demonstrate the unpredictability and dynamic storytelling that keeps fans invested, showing how real-life changes and creative decisions shape the spectacle. For WWE enthusiasts, understanding these behind-the-scenes shifts adds depth to the viewing experience and highlights the resilience of the sport’s storytelling magic.
