Original WrestleMania 41 Lineup Leaked – Scrapped Dream Matches Revealed
In a shocking revelation, WWE’s Unreal docuseries has exposed the original lineup planned for WrestleMania 41, and it’s wildly different from what fans saw in Las Vegas. This early blueprint featured Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, CM Punk vs. Gunther, and Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins in a one-on-one match.
This bombshell news has reignited debates about what could’ve been, showing how fluid WWE’s creative process is—even for its biggest show of the year.
Cancelled Main Event: Cody vs. Cena
Perhaps the most surprising plan was for Cody Rhodes to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena. This clash of eras would’ve been a monumental passing-of-the-torch moment. While Rhodes did face Cena at WrestleMania 41, it wasn’t with the same long-built story fans now know was scrapped.
Scrapped Blockbusters Involving Punk & Reigns
The original card had CM Punk battling Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title, and Roman Reigns clashing with Seth Rollins in what could’ve reignited their Shield rivalry. These matches would’ve delivered huge star power and history.
Instead, WWE opted to put Reigns, Punk, and Rollins in a triple threat on Night One—still epic, but not the singles storytelling many were hoping for.
Women’s Division Shake-Up
On the women’s side, early plans included Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair and Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill, both marquee singles matches with major implications. Neither of those matches happened. Instead, Ripley was part of a triple threat and Jade Cargill faced Naomi in a shorter contest.
Other Planned Matches That Didn’t Happen
- AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul
- Bad Bunny vs. Dominik Mysterio
- Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka & IYO SKY
- The Judgment Day vs. The Wyatt Sicks
- A pair of multi-man ladder matches for the U.S. and Intercontinental Titles
- Bron Breakker vs. Drew McIntyre with Stone Cold Steve Austin as special referee
Actual WrestleMania 41: What We Got
The final card ended up including:
- Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena (title match)
- Triple Threat: Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
- Gunther vs. Jey Uso (World Title)
- Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. IYO SKY (title match)
- Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair (Women’s Title)
- LA Knight vs. Jacob Fatu
- Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
- Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest (Sin City Street Fight)
While still action-packed, the final show had a different vibe from the originally ambitious plans.
Fan Reactions
The revelation has sparked intense fan discussion. Many are wondering what WrestleMania 41 could’ve looked like if WWE had stuck to the original script. Some fans believe WWE missed an opportunity by scrapping Cody vs. Cena as a main event, while others think the triple threat between Punk, Reigns, and Rollins was a stronger choice.
What about you?
Which match from the original lineup do you wish actually happened? Let us know in the comments below!
