Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently shared the origin of his acting ambitions in a video posted to Instagram, revealing that his passion for storytelling began at just eight years old.
Johnson recalled living in Charlotte, North Carolina, when Raiders of the Lost Ark hit theaters. “I’m there in the theater opening weekend, it’s sold out, I’m in the front row,” he said. Watching Indiana Jones on screen left a lasting impression.
“I remember seeing Indiana Jones and saying ‘I wanna do that.’ He was cool with the whip and good with the ladies, he kicked ass.”
Although acting was his early dream, Johnson admitted life took him in many different directions. “Along the way, I picked up a lot of other dreams and goals while navigating life’s twists and turns,” he explained.
At one point, he even considered working for the CIA, encouraged by a college professor. However, he candidly added, “My study habits sucked,” which made law school—and the CIA—an unlikely path.
Johnson also discussed his attempt at a football career, playing in the CFL after missing out on the NFL. That journey eventually led him to professional wrestling, where he became a global star.
His acting career officially began with a breakout role as the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns. That experience reignited the dream first sparked in his childhood.
“I fell in love with acting. I love acting and storytelling. I love actors, our community.”
Today, Johnson is not only a major box office draw but also a producer through his company, Seven Bucks Productions. He’s currently involved in the build-up to WrestleMania 41, where he influenced the storyline between John Cena and Cody Rhodes.
Johnson wrapped up by wishing fans a happy Sunday, reflecting on how his childhood dream eventually came full circle.
NFL icon Tom Brady may be stepping into WWE territory during its biggest weekend of the year. During an interview with Fox News Digital, the seven-time Super champion praised the company and hinted that next weekend’s WrestleMania 41 may be too big to miss.
“I may be there,” adding, “It’s amazing what’s going on there and it’s amazing what’s happening with WWE and all the different things surrounding that.”
The event is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas—home of the Raiders, a team in which Brady holds a minority ownership stake. The connection adds weight to the possibility of a high-profile appearance.
Brady’s post-NFL career has kept him in the spotlight. Since retiring in 2023, the former quarterback has joined NFL on Fox and become more active in the entertainment space. WWE has shown prior interest in involving him—Cody Rhodes even invited Brady to WrestleMania 39, suggesting a potential future crossover.
Celebrity involvement at WrestleMania, especially NFL greats, is nothing new. In 2023, Philadelphia Eagles stars Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson made a surprise appearance, helping Rey Mysterio secure a win. The year before, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers assisted Pat McAfee during his match at WrestleMania 39.
With WrestleMania 41 approaching and surprises expected, wrestling fans should be on high alert for an appearance by the GOAT quarterback.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may have inadvertently revealed more than his puzzle-solving attempts in a recent social media post. While sharing a video of himself tackling a Rubik’s Cube on Instagram, wrestling fans noticed the elephant in the room—Johnson was sporting a New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) t-shirt.
The fashion choice gained further traction when NJPW’s official Instagram account acknowledged the appearance by sharing a screenshot from Johnson’s video. Their caption—“IFFFF YAAAAA SMELLLLL WHAT THE LION IS COOKING”—directly referenced The Rock’s iconic catchphrase.
This interaction is particularly noteworthy given The Rock’s influential executive position within WWE and the timing just days before WrestleMania 41. There may be more this subtle gesture than meets the eye, and might signal renewed collaboration between WWE and NJPW, especially as WWE continues its international expansion efforts under the TKO banner.
Johnson’s caption on his original post, “Slightly intellectually intimidated, but keeping faith alive,” also has us wondering if he’s talking about the Rubik’s cube, or if there’s a deeper meaning under the surface.
As wrestling’s biggest weekend approaches, this seemingly minor wardrobe choice could potentially foreshadow significant developments in the global wrestling landscape.
Becky Lynch features in Chime’s latest commercial, joining Deion Sanders and Kai Cenat in a campaign that connects smart financial decisions to high-profile experiences—like getting front-row seats at WWE events.
Lynch makes a brief in-ring cameo while a voiceover promotes Chime’s message that “you’re making it,” aligning with the brand’s focus on financial empowerment.
Chime releases their newest commercial. In the commercial, it featured #NFL Champion, Football Hall of Famer and Colorado Football Head Coach “Prime Time” Deion Sanders, Kai Cenat and 7x #WWE Women’s Champion Becky Lynch.@DeionSanders@KaiCenat@BeckyLynchWWE
The spot further solidifies Chime’s presence in the WWE space, as the company recently sponsored the ring mat during the April 7 episode of WWE Raw on Netflix. Chime also ran a giveaway for tickets to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas next weekend.
Becky Lynch’s Future
Last night, Lynch addressed her current WWE status during her appearance as guest monologist at the April 11 Ultimate Improv Show. She confirmed she’s “not wrestling anymore” but left the door open for a future return “Maybe one day,” she said.
Former WWE star Becky Lynch has clarified her immediate wrestling plans amid speculation surrounding a potential return to the ring.
With her WWE contract having expired in June 2024 and reports of a new signing in January, many fans anticipated her appearance at the upcoming WrestleMania 41 event on April 19-20.
During her appearance as Guest Monologist at the April 11 Ultimate Improv Show, Lynch definitively stated:
“It’s WrestleMania season, isn’t it? Look, I’m not wrestling anymore. Maybe one day, but not right now. But my husband is!”
Her husband, Seth Rollins, is scheduled to compete against CM Punk and Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 41 Night 1.
Interestingly, Rollins previously suggested in March that Lynch was “gearing up to get ready to come back,” contradicting her recent statement.
The way she said "I'm not wrestling anymore.." ma'am don't mess with me right now!!! pic.twitter.com/tTV6Or4Mcc
Get ready for an exciting episode of AEW Collision, airing live from the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, tonight at 8/7c on TNT and streaming on MAX.
Tonight\’s show promises to be a pivotal episode, with the three Owen Hart Cup tournament matches.
Matches and Segments
Athena vs. Harley Cameron – In an Owen Hart Cup women\’s tournament match, Athena faces off against Harley Cameron, with the winner advancing to the semifinals against Mercedes Moné.
Jamie Hayter vs. Billie Starkz – This Owen Hart Cup women\’s tournament match sees Jamie Hayter taking on Billie Starkz, with the winner moving on to face Kris Statlander in the semifinals.
Konosuke Takeshita vs. Brody King – A highly anticipated men\’s Owen Hart Cup match pits Konosuke Takeshita against Brody King.
Anthony Bowens vs. Blake Christian – In a singles matchup, Anthony Bowens looks to prove himself against the talented Blake Christian.
Megan Bayne in Action – Megan Bayne will make her presence known against an opponent TBA.
WWE has confirmed the lineup of inductors for the 2025 Hall of Fame class, featuring several high-profile names.
Shawn Michaels will induct longtime friend and D-Generation X stablemate Triple H. The Undertaker will honor former WWE Women’s Champion Michelle McCool, while Diamond Dallas Page is set to induct former WCW and WWE star Lex Luger.
CM Punk will handle the induction of the legendary WrestleMania 13 submission match between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Bret Hart, a pivotal moment in WWE history.
An inductor for The Natural Disasters, the powerhouse tag team of Earthquake and Typhoon, has not yet been announced.
Here are the key results and highlights from the April 11, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.
Randy Orton confronted SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, demanding a WrestleMania 41 match. Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga interrupted, leading to a brawl.
LA Knight came to Orton’s aid, and a tag team match was set up for later in the show: Orton & Knight vs. Sikoa & Tonga.
Drew McIntyre attacked Damian Priest backstage, continuing their heated rivalry ahead of their WrestleMania street fight.
Rey Fenix defeated Berto in a singles match.
Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet match to determine the #1 contenders for WrestleMania 41:
Bayley & Valkyria eliminated Katana Chance & Kayden Carter
Bayley & Valkyria eliminated Michin & B-Fab
Bayley & Valkyria defeated Piper Niven & Alba Fyre in the final fall
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria emerged victorious, earning a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez at WrestleMania 41.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made an appearance to promote his upcoming WrestleMania match against John Cena.
WWE has officially added a \”Sin City Street Fight\” stipulation to the Drew McIntyre versus Damian Priest match at WrestleMania 41. The event takes place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 19-20, 2025.
The announcement came during Friday\’s SmackDown, intensifying a personal feud that began at WrestleMania XL when Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship from McIntyre.
Charlotte Flair took matters into her own hands just days before WrestleMania 41, attacking Tiffany Stratton in a surprise parking lot confrontation ahead of Friday’s SmackDown.
Footage of the incident surfaced online shortly before the show went on the air, showing Flair ambushing Stratton in a heated physical exchange. The surprise attack further intensifies their rivalry as both Superstars prepare to square off on the grand stage next weekend.
With only one episode of SmackDown left before WrestleMania, the animosity between Flair and Stratton is at an all-time high heading into their much-anticipated showdown.
The family of the late wrestling legend James Harris, known professionally as Kamala \”The Ugandan Giant,\” has expressed their gratitude following his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Legacy wing.
WWE recently announced that Kamala will be honored posthumously alongside Dory Funk Sr. and Ivan Koloff. On their official website, WWE described Kamala as one of their \”most memorable Superstars with his intimidating war paint and unpredictable style.\”
Harris, who passed away in August 2020 at age 70 due to cardiac arrest and other health complications, left behind a significant legacy in professional wrestling. He was known for his fierce in-ring persona yet possessed what WWE called \”a lovable innocence that showed the true heart\” beneath the character.
In a statement released on Kamala\’s official Facebook page, his family thanked WWE for the honor, noting: \”James\’ story is one of strength, resilience, and perseverance.\” They recounted his humble beginnings, working as a sharecropper after losing his father at a young age, and how \”through sheer determination he carved out a path to greatness.\”
The family highlighted Harris\’s matches with wrestling icons and emphasized that despite facing health challenges and hardships in his later years, his faith remained a source of strength. They concluded by expressing appreciation to fans, WWE, and everyone who supported his legacy.
The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Friday, April 18th in Las Vegas during WrestleMania 41 weekend.
Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits delivered a passionate defense of tag team wrestling during his recent appearance on the Battleground Podcast, dismissing claims that the division has lost relevance in today\’s WWE landscape.
The Revival of Tag Team Wrestling
\”Everybody was under the assumption that tag team wrestling was kind of dead if you will, and it\’s not really the case at all,\” Dawkins asserted. As one-half of the current WWE Tag Team Champions alongside Montez Ford, Dawkins has a front-row seat to what he describes as an exceptional renaissance in the division.
\”The tag team division especially on Smackdown has been unreal; every tag team has been on fire,\” Dawkins emphasized
He further stressed the unique challenges of tag team competition, noting that \”tag team wrestling is a way of life… it\’s harder to be a tag team wrestler\” than competing as a singles competitor.
Confidence in Championship Reign
When asked about potential threats to The Street Profits\’ championship reign, Dawkins displayed supreme confidence, simply stating:
\”Nobody point blank right there nobody… not even just a little bit.\” This confidence comes after what Dawkins described as a year of obstacles that The Street Profits overcame through perseverance and dedication to their craft.
Hardy Boys Return and Dream Match Potential
The conversation turned to the recent return of legendary tag team The Hardy Boys to WWE after a six-year absence. Dawkins expressed enthusiasm about their comeback and the possibility of a dream match.
\”That\’ll be dope… the Hardy Boys their legacy you know what they mean to tag team wrestling,\” he acknowledged, referencing their historic impact on the division. \”If we ever got to chop it up and like get in the ring and roll around with those dudes it\’ll be great,\” Dawkins added.
He even playfully suggesting a potential title-versus-title ladder match at WrestleMania against the Hardys, who currently hold gold in another promotion.
Future of WWE\’s Tag Team Division
As WWE continues to evolve under Triple H\’s creative leadership, Dawkins remains optimistic about both the direction of the company and The Street Profits\’ position within the tag team division. With renewed energy in tag team wrestling and iconic teams returning to the fold, Dawkins\’ assertion that the division is far from dead appears well-supported as The Street Profits look to extend their championship reign in an increasingly competitive landscape.
In a recent appearance on the Battleground Podcast, one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions Angelo Dawkins shared insights on The Street Profits\’ championship victory and its profound personal significance.
Championship Triumph After Year of Obstacles
\”Living like a champ right now… and I love it,\” Dawkins proclaimed when discussing their recent title win. The journey back to championship gold wasn\’t easy for The Street Profits, who faced numerous obstacles before reclaiming the titles. \”For the team, obviously for a long year since we\’ve held tag team gold… we kept running into obstacles and all that stuff and just kept putting our head down going to work,\” Dawkins explained.
Personal Significance of the Championship Win
Beyond professional achievement, the championship victory carried deep emotional significance for Dawkins. The win came at a poignant time—the day before the one-year anniversary of his mother\’s passing. \”Winning these tag titles the day before that one year… it meant a lot… and it\’s made Fridays a little bit easier for me to kind of get through,\” Dawkins revealed with candor. \”I was really hoping she was watching from up above,\” he added, highlighting the emotional weight of the accomplishment.
Triple H\’s Impact on WWE\’s Direction
Dawkins expressed appreciation for Triple H\’s leadership in WWE, crediting him with positioning talent for success. \”Triple H is doing a great job… putting everybody in the right positions to be stars,\” he noted. While maintaining a respectful professional relationship, Dawkins still finds moments for lighthearted banter with his boss. \”I always kind of try to joke with Triple H about, \’Hey, you do realize like even though you\’re my boss, you know how many detention slips that I got in school because of you, right?\’\”
The WWE superstar emphasized that Triple H\’s vision is now fully materializing across the company. \”Everything that Triple H had envisioned at NXT is starting to come to light,\” said Dawkins, reflecting on his seven-year tenure in WWE\’s developmental brand before his main roster success with The Street Profits.
Looking Forward
As The Street Profits continue their championship reign, Dawkins remains confident in their ability to maintain their position at the top of WWE\’s tag team division while honoring the personal journey that brought him to this career milestone.
Scott Steiner says that when WWE presented him with the idea of breaking up the Steiner Brothers, he wasn\’t aware how big the plans were for his ill-fated singles run.
In his appearance on Shak Wrestling, Steiner discussed the talk of a 1993 pitch that would have changed the course of WWE history.
“There was a thing where in the Royal Rumble, they wanted us to go against each other,” he said.
“At the time, that was one of the reasons I got into wrestling—to wrestle with my brother, prove we were the best tag team in the world. So I had no interest whatsoever to be a world champion.”
Steiner wasn\’t told how big this idea actually was. When they pitched going solo, they left out the part about winning the Rumble and challenging for the WWE championship in Las Vegas.
“What Bruce [Prichard] was saying—I didn’t know they were thinking about making me a world champion. I wish I would’ve known that, but I wasn’t told.”
Even with the possibility of solo glory, Steiner stood by his brother.
“The timing wasn’t right,” he concluded.
The Story Behind Scott Steiner and the Royal Rumble
WWE veteran Bruce Prichard has previously spoken about Steiner being considered for a singles push in 1993. In an episode of his Something to Wrestle podcast focused on WrestleMania IX, Prichard revealed that both he and Pat Patterson were very high on Scott Steiner as a superstar.
According to Prichard, they pitched a bold idea to Vince McMahon: have Scott Steiner enter the 1993 Royal Rumble as a surprise entrant, win the match, and then go on to headline WrestleMania IX with a shot at the WWE World Championship.
The plan would have positioned Steiner to dominate the Royal Rumble match as a relatively unknown competitor to the WWF audience (though wrestling fans from other promotions would have recognized him). This would have been a dramatic introduction for Steiner as a singles competitor in the company.
However, Vince McMahon rejected the idea. According to Prichard, \”McMahon didn\’t feel it\”. The pitch was presented as a \”what if\” scenario during a creative meeting, but the WWE Chairman decided to pass on the concept.
In an industry where most claw for the spotlight, Steiner’s story is a rare example of brotherhood trumping personal ambition.
Scott Steiner isn’t holding back when it comes to his time in WCW. In a new interview with Shaquille Mahjouri on Shak Wrestling for CBS Sports, the former World Heavyweight Champion pulled back the curtain on the backstage dysfunction that helped birth one of wrestling’s most intense personas.
“Politics is… I don’t know if it’s as big as it is as it was, so there’s a lot of guys being held back,” Steiner said, explaining how internal strife shaped the rise of “Big Poppa Pump.”
The tension wasn’t just behind the scenes—it was something Steiner channeled into his performances.
“I used to show up at Nitro on Mondays pissed off because I knew something stupid was going to happen,” he admitted.
“Every Monday on the Nitros… I never knew what was going to happen. And when I did find out, I’d be pissed off because it never made sense to me.”
That frustration didn’t go unnoticed by fans.
“I think my Big Poppa Pump resonated so much because people could tell I was pissed off—and I was actually pissed off,” he said.
The candid remarks add another layer to Steiner’s legacy, portraying him not just as a charismatic powerhouse, but as a product of an era where chaos ruled creative. In an industry built on characters, Steiner’s rage was all too real—and that’s what made it work.
WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner has nothing but praise for his nephew, Bron Breakker, and believes his rise to the top is just getting started.
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shaquille Mahjouri on Shak Wrestling, Steiner reflected on Breakker’s path—and why he believes the Intercontinental Champion is poised for the main event.
“He’s probably ahead of the game right now,” Steiner said. “He used to ride his bike over to my house to do interviews on me. So he’s been doing it for so long—even though he’s only been seen on TV for what, two years now?”
Paul Heyman\’s Influence on Bron Breakker
Steiner also highlighted the impact of veteran Paul Heyman, who’s taken a hands-on role in Breakker’s development.
“Having him in his corner is second to none… Paul’s very smart. He gives good advice,” Steiner said. “We’ve known Paul for a long time, and I appreciate him helping my nephew out.”
WrestleMania Vegas
As Breakker prepares for his WrestleMania debut, Steiner noted the emotional resonance: it’ll take place in Las Vegas—just like the Steiner Brothers’ first WrestleMania.
“It’s going to be great… Our first WrestleMania was in Vegas, and now it’s his. That’s pretty cool.”
With wrestling roots that run deep and guidance from some of the industry’s sharpest minds, Steiner believes Breakker’s trajectory is clear:
It\’s time to start planning how you\’ll watch WrestleMania 41, WWE\’s biggest premium live event of the year.
According to Peacock\’s listing, WrestleMania programming is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM EST. This includes the pre-shows, premium live events and post-shows.
Broadcast Schedule (Saturday & Sunday)
While these times are approximate, they align with WWE\’s announcements and follow the pattern established by recent premium live events. Each day follows the same approximate timeline:
Pre-Show: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST (3 hours)
Main Premium Live Event: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM EST (5 hours)
Post-Show: 12:00 AM – 1:00 AM EST (1 hour)
Fans should plan accordingly to catch all the action, especially the main card starting at 7:00 PM EST on both nights.
Start Times Around the World
Here are the start times in key regions around the world:
WWE Superstar Becky Lynch is crossing over into the world of live improv comedy.
The Ultimate Improv Show takes place tonight, April 11, 2025, at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles, California. The event is presented by Dan Black and features an all-star cast of improvisers who will perform what they describe as \”the best, funniest and ultimate-est improv show of all time.\”
Becky Lynch is tonight\’s celebrity monologist. She\’ll tell impromptu stories based on random suggestions from the audience, and those stories then inspire improvised comedy scenes performed by the cast.
The impressive lineup of improvisers for tonight\’s show includes:
Lisa Gilroy
Paul Scheer
Bobby Moynihan
Neil Casey
Dan Black
The show will also feature musical guest Bunny Lowe.
This appearance comes during Lynch\’s hiatus from WWE wrestling, as she hasn\’t competed since May 27, 2024, when she lost a steel cage match to Liv Morgan on WWE Raw. Since then, Lynch has been pursuing various projects outside of wrestling.
Tonight\’s Improv Showcase featuring Becky Lynch streams live for $15. For more details, visit Dynasty Typewriter.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches Las Vegas next weekend, the current betting odds provide valuable insights into what might unfold at WWE\’s biggest event of the year.
Here\’s a comprehensive breakdown of every matchup on the card, with odds from Bet Online as of April 11, 2025:
John Cena is favored (-210) to defeat Cody Rhodes (+160) and win the Undisputed WWE Championship.
CM Punk is the favorite (-190) to win his first WrestleMania main event against Seth Rollins (+175) and the underdog, Roman Reigns (+250).
Rey Mysterio is the favorite (-150) against super-authentic luchador, El Americano Grand (+110).
Bianca Belair is a slight favorite (-105) to recapture the Women\’s World Championship in the triple threat match involving champion Iyo Sky (+120) and Rhea Ripley (+200).
Jey Uso is heavily favored (-600) to dethrone Gunther (+350) and capture his first World Heavyweight championship.
Charlotte Flair is a slight favorite (-130) against champion Tiffany Stratton (-110), but this one is essentially even.
Jade Cargill is the heavy favorite (-600) to get revenge against Naomi (+350).
Drew McIntyre is the overwhelming favorite (+1500) against Damian Priest (+600).
Dominik Mysterio is on the cusp of capturing his first singles title in WWE, and is the favorite (-175) in the fatal 4-way match for the Intercontinental championship. Penta is at +150, the champion Bron Breakker is at +350 and Finn Balor is the heavy underdog (+600).
Jacob Fatu is also a huge favorite (-700) to win his first singles gold and capture the United States championship from LA Knight (+400).
Takeaway
While betting odds are just a snapshot of where things currently stand, the betting lines often reflect insider knowledge about creative directions.
The current odds suggest several high-profile wins for established stars like Reigns and Cena, alongside potential title changes and rising stars like Jey Uso, Dominik Mysterio and Jacob Fatu getting their first taste of singles gold in WWE.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, a closer examination of the ticket sales and attendance projections reveals fascinating insights into the business side of WWE\’s premier annual spectacle. With the two-night event set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas next weekend, the numbers tell an interesting story about fan demand and WWE\’s promotional strategies.
Current Ticket Distribution
According to the latest figures, WWE has distributed 48,621 WrestleMania 41 tickets for night one (Saturday, April 19) and 51,044 tickets for night two (Sunday, April 20). The current configuration is set up for approximately 53,410 attendees each night, though this number is expected to increase as production details are finalized and additional seating sections open up.
A true capacity sellout would approach 60,000 spectators per night, but if history is any indication, WWE will likely announce attendance figures exceeding 65,000 regardless of the actual turnout – a long-standing promotional tactic designed to enhance the event\’s perceived grandeur.
Secondary Market Dynamics
The secondary ticket market provides additional context regarding actual demand. Over the past week, prices have experienced a noticeable decline, with get-in prices currently sitting at $151 for Saturday and $234 for Sunday. This pricing disparity between nights suggests fans perceive Sunday\’s card as featuring more must-see matches.
The range of secondary market prices remains considerable. As of April 9, Saturday\’s show featured resale tickets ranging from $328 to $5,659, while Sunday\’s event commanded prices between $387 and $7,241.
For dedicated fans seeking the ultimate experience, two-day ringside passes were available for as much as $22,271 – demonstrating the premium segment of the WWE audience remains willing to invest substantially in prime viewing positions.
Business Implications
These figures indicate solid but not unprecedented demand for WrestleMania 41. The declining secondary market prices suggest supply is gradually meeting demand as the event approaches, a common pattern for major sporting and entertainment events.
For WWE, the two-night format continues to prove financially advantageous, effectively doubling the revenue potential compared to the traditional single-night approach. Even with slightly softer demand than previous years, the cumulative attendance across both nights will likely exceed what could be achieved in a single evening.
As production elements are finalized and WWE intensifies its promotional efforts in the final days before the event, these numbers may shift, but all indications point to another commercially successful WrestleMania, if not record-breaking.
WrestleMania 41 is set to unfold on April 19-20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, and the anticipation is building. The stage is now set for WWE\’s biggest event of the year, with a match card that promises to deliver thrilling showdowns and unforgettable moments.
With the excitement reaching a fever pitch, here\’s a comprehensive look at the updated match card organized by night, and what to expect from the grand spectacle that is WrestleMania 41.
WrestleMania 41 Saturday, April 19 Matches
The Saturday card features several high-profile matches, with the main event being:
Triple Threat Match: Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
This highly anticipated match stems from escalating tensions between these three top stars. At the 2025 Royal Rumble, CM Punk eliminated both Reigns and Rollins simultaneously, igniting their anger. The situation intensified when Punk and Rollins faced off in a Steel Cage match at Madison Square Garden, where Reigns made a shocking return by pulling Rollins out of the cage before attacking both men.
The conflict came to a head during a SmackDown episode in Bologna, Italy, where all three confronted each other, resulting in chaos that led WWE officials to make this Triple Threat match official for WrestleMania 41. CM Punk\’s alliance with Paul Heyman adds another layer of intrigue to this already explosive matchup, while the long-standing dynamic between Reigns and Rollins ensures high drama and action throughout. This match will serve as the main event for Saturday night, potentially marking Punk\’s first WrestleMania main event in his career.
World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Jey Uso
Background: Jey Uso won the 2025 men\’s Royal Rumble and chose to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, a decision confirmed before Elimination Chamber.
With Cena\’s Chamber win securing the Undisputed WWE title shot, this match remains locked in. Gunther faces Uso, whose popularity as \”Main Event Jey\” has soared. This will be one of the headline matches for Night 1, pitting Gunther\’s technical prowess against Uso\’s high-energy style. Having lost to Gunther previously, this represents Uso\’s chance to prove himself on WWE\’s grandest stage.
United States Championship: LA Knight (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
LA Knight defends his recently won United States Championship against the powerhouse Jacob Fatu, who earned his opportunity by defeating Braun Strowman in a number one contender\’s match on SmackDown. This contest showcases the next generation of WWE talent, with Knight\’s charisma and in-ring acumen facing off against Fatu\’s devastating strength and agility. The match highlights WWE\’s focus on building new stars, with both competitors representing the future of the company.
AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul
In a clash that bridges different eras and backgrounds, social media star Logan Paul takes on \”The Phenomenal\” AJ Styles in a non-title match that has been brewing since Paul\’s controversial comments about Styles being \”past his prime.\” Styles responded by attacking Paul during a podcast recording, leading to this high-profile matchup that promises to blend athleticism and compelling storytelling. This could be a show-stealing encounter with Paul\’s athleticism and Styles\’ veteran experience creating an intriguing dynamic.
Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
The heated rivalry between Jade Cargill and Naomi comes to WrestleMania in this non-title women\’s singles match. After Cargill was attacked backstage in November and sidelined, Naomi stepped in to team with Bianca Belair. Upon Cargill\’s return at Elimination Chamber, she attacked Naomi, and it was revealed that Naomi was behind the original assault. After weeks of tension and several physical confrontations, this rare one-on-one matchup adds variety to the card and showcases two of the most athletic performers in the women\’s division. Their contrasting styles and ongoing feud make this a highly anticipated contest despite the absence of championship stakes.
WrestleMania 41 Sunday, April 20 Matches
Sunday\’s card is headlined by:
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena
Background: At Elimination Chamber, John Cena won the men\’s Elimination Chamber match, earning a shot at Cody Rhodes\’ Undisputed WWE Championship. This came with a shocking twist as Cena turned heel, aligning with The Rock after Rhodes rejected The Rock\’s offer to \”sell his soul.\” This match positions Cena in striking distance of a record-breaking 17th world title. The heel turn adds a fresh dynamic to Cena\’s retirement tour and sets up a generational clash with the American Nightmare in what will be Cena\’s farewell WrestleMania appearance, as he has announced his retirement from professional wrestling at the end of 2025. This highly anticipated headliner represents a historic encounter that could define both wrestlers\’ legacies.
WWE Women\’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair won the 2025 women\’s Royal Rumble and challenged Tiffany Stratton, who cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase to win the WWE Women\’s Championship from Nia Jax. At Elimination Chamber, Stratton teamed with Trish Stratus to defeat Jax and Candice LeRae, solidifying her reign. Flair, a 14-time world champion, aims to reclaim her spot atop the division, setting up a \”present vs. future\” showdown with Stratton, who\’s been compared to Flair stylistically. Stratton\’s first WrestleMania appearance adds an intriguing dynamic as the rising star faces one of WWE\’s most decorated champions.
Matches Not Yet Assigned to a Specific Night
Several matches have been announced but not yet assigned to either Saturday or Sunday:
Women\’s World Championship Triple Threat: IYO SKY (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley
Bianca Belair emerged victorious in the women\’s Elimination Chamber match, earning a title shot. In a major upset, IYO SKY defeated Rhea Ripley on the March 3, 2025 episode of Raw to capture the Women\’s World Championship when Ripley was distracted by Belair at ringside.
The situation has grown more complex, with Ripley furious about losing her title. After a three-way brawl on the March 24 Raw, WWE official Adam Pearce announced that SKY would defend against Ripley with Belair as special guest referee. The match descended into chaos when all three women ended up fighting, leading Pearce to make the WrestleMania match a triple threat, with SKY now defending against both Belair and Ripley in what promises to be one of the most athletic women\’s matches in WrestleMania history.
Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4-Way: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta vs. Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio
This newly announced Fatal 4-Way match for the Intercontinental Championship adds another title defense to the WrestleMania card. Bron Breakker will be defending his championship against three formidable opponents in what promises to be a fast-paced, action-packed contest.
Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano
The legendary Rey Mysterio will be taking on the mysterious El Grande Americano in what could be a showcase of high-flying lucha libre action. This match adds another dimension to the WrestleMania weekend.
Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest
This grudge match between Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest will bring their ongoing rivalry to WWE\’s biggest stage. Both superstars will be looking to make a statement in this high-profile encounter.
Additional Information
WWE is expected to announce a World Tag Team Championship match between The New Day and War Raiders. Additionally, Randy Orton is slated to compete against a to-be-determined opponent, replacing his originally scheduled match with Kevin Owens, who is out due to a neck injury.
The Women\’s Tag Team Championship match is also expected to be added to the card, with current champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez set to defend against challengers to be determined in a tag team gauntlet match taking place on the April 11 episode of SmackDown.
Shelton Benjamin plans to be hurting people in AEW for years to come.
Since his arrival to AEW in October 2024, the decorated veteran has shown he\’s still able to compete at the highest level. He quickly aligned with MVP and Bobby Lashley, rebooting the Hurt Business as the Hurt Syndicate. During an appearance on Huge Pop Radio, Benjamin revealed that his deal with AEW is for three years.
This week on Dynamite, Benjamin voted \”thumbs down\” and helped block Maxwell Jacob Friedman from joining the faction. When asked on Huge Pop if we\’ll see Hurt Business-alum Cedric Alexander join them in AEW, he coyly replied, \”If I were a betting man…\” before cutting himself off without saying too much.
Benjamin and Lashley are the reigning AEW World Tag Team Champions. Their most recent defense came this past weekend at AEW Dynasty, with a victory over Chris Jericho\’s associates, Big Bill and Bryan Keith.
He\’ll be 50 years old this summer, but Shelton Benjamin is still impressing crowds and pushing wrestlers born in this century to their limits.
Tonight\’s WWE SmackDown takes place from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA and broadcasts live on the USA Network at 8 ET/7 CT.
Just over one week away from WrestleMania 41, the stage is nearly set for WWE\’s biggest show of the year.
Matches and Segments
Rey Fenix vs. Berto – Following his impressive debut win against Nathan Frazer, Rey Fenix faces off against Berto in a singles match, looking to maintain his momentum.
Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre Face-to-Face – The intense rivalry between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre reaches a boiling point as they come face-to-face, escalating tensions ahead of WrestleMania.
Women\’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match – Six teams, including Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, Lyra Valkyria & Bayley, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark, B-Fab & Michin, Piper Niven & Alba Fyre, and Maxxine Dupri & Natalya, battle for a title shot against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez at WrestleMania 41.
Cody Rhodes Returns – Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes makes his return to SmackDown, fueling anticipation ahead of his title defense against John Cena at WrestleMania.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for live coverage and analysis of WWE SmackDown as it unfolds tonight.
WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair has issued a personal apology for her conduct on last week’s SmackDown. Flair’s in-ring segment with Tiffany Stratton quickly went off-script and became a heated affair.
WWE’s storyline highlighting the tension between the young champion and the pioneering legend veered into personal territory, with Stratton referencing Flair’s tumultuous romantic life and the “Queen” suggesting that Stratton’s significant other, Ludwig Kaiser, has been sending her private messages.
After several days of reflection, Charlotte Flair has taken it upon herself to be the bigger woman and lay her feelings bare. She acknowledges that she took things too far and said things she shouldn’t have.
After being blindsided by my personal trauma on live television, my character said something on-air that was not true, and I'd like to take this opportunity to clear the air.
I should have NEVER called the Chicago fans smart. I sincerely apologize.
The reigning WWE Women’s Champion has also addressed her controversial promo segment with Charlotte Flair last week. Even though things got very personal, she considers their mission accomplished. “I think we did a very good job or getting people wanting to see our match and invested in our Stratton said on the Babyfaces Podcast. “Now, I’m ready to put on the best women’s match ever and ready to go to war.” More on that story here:
Drew McIntyre appeared on the Getting Over podcast ahead of WrestleMania 41, offering a candid look into his heated rivalry with Damian Priest, the evolution of WWE storytelling, and his mindset going into the biggest event of the year.
McIntyre broke down the year-long feud with Priest, which began at WrestleMania 40 and will culminate next weekend in Las Vegas. He highlighted how Priest has repeatedly taken advantage of setbacks in McIntyre’s career, turning those moments into opportunities.
“He’s benefited every time something’s gone wrong for me,” McIntyre noted, setting the stage for a long-awaited confrontation.
Fan Support, Hell in a Cell
Despite ongoing tensions with Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins, McIntyre explained why he\’s not part of the triple threat match at WrestleMania. He addressed the fan reactions to his current role and emphasized that his current story is just as meaningful.
The former WWE Champion also reflected on his brutal Hell in a Cell match, describing it as a defining moment.
“It wasn’t just about the violence—it was about restoring meaning to the stipulation,” he said, pointing to the emotional weight behind the bout.
Modern Character Development and Storytelling
On the subject of character evolution, McIntyre emphasized the importance of continuity and authenticity, especially through social media.
“Anyone that says they’re not online is a liar,” he said. “I’ve just happened to weaponize it because I’m smart and sensible, and it’s a massive powerful tool.”
He expanded on the depth now possible in WWE storytelling.
“The past matters these days, and thank goodness because it should… The Bloodline and that story, that went three straight years and is continuing to this day, showed that we can develop characters with deeper layers, deeper human emotions, and deeper layered storytelling and use the past and not insult our audience\’s intelligence.”
McIntyre also questioned the disconnect some wrestlers maintain between their TV persona and online presence.
“I still can\’t get my head around people acting different on television than they do in social media,” he said. “We\’re 52 weeks a year, we play the same character, we\’re trying to suspend disbelief.”
Outside the ring, McIntyre shared lighter stories about his life on the road with Sheamus, moving from Tampa to Nashville, and his preference for dogs over cats.
Some of the Best Advice He\’s Received
Reflecting on personal growth and advice he once received, McIntyre recalled words from The Undertaker:
“Stop playing the wrestler and be the wrestler.”
He admitted the advice didn’t make sense at first but now serves as a guiding principle.
“Nothing good happens when you’re highly emotional,” he added. “Calm down, get the facts, and then deal with it.”
With WrestleMania 41 ahead, McIntyre remains committed to delivering a story rooted in emotion, history, and realism—both in and out of the ring.
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