WrestleMania 41’s Biggest Storylines, From Cena’s Heel Turn to a Triple Threat for the Ages

Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair: The Past Meets the Future in a Must-See Showdown

Ever since Tiffany Stratton made her main roster WWE debut, a head-on collision with Charlotte Flair seemed inevitable. When Flair returned and went on to win the Royal Rumble, there was no mystery as to who she was picking. This matchup has some solid momentum with an older era being represented by arguably the greatest female wrestler of all time, going up against a 25-year-old with no real ceiling.

But two SmackDowns ago, things took quite the turn when the two women cut a shoot promo that made it incredibly clear to everyone that these two really do not like each other. Stratton brought Flair's history of divorces into the picture, and Charlotte fired back by saying that Tiffany's boyfriend, Ludwig Kaiser, was in her DMs. Whether you believe that or not, one thing is clear: this rivalry has some serious heat, and two of the most physically gifted women in the division should not disappoint in Vegas.

Will "Tiffy Time" continue or will the "Nepo Queen" have another WrestleMania moment? — Ben Felderstein

Gunther vs. Jey Uso: A Battle of Power and Legacy

While Jey Uso broke out from the tag team scene to make a name for himself as a singles wrestler in 2020, it wasn’t until 2023 that he began embodying the “Main Event” moniker. After years supporting Roman Reigns, Uso charted out on his own, earning world title shots and winning the Intercontinental championship, but never quite getting over the hump at the top of the card. 

He was perhaps closest to claiming heavyweight championship gold against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event earlier this year, but ultimately fell short. Just one week later, he stunned the world by eliminating John Cena and winning the Royal Rumble, leading to what is perhaps the most surprising match on the WrestleMania 41 card. Uso’s rematch with Gunther for the championship is unexpected and has plenty of attention heading into Las Vegas. When Uso called his shot, Gunther committed to making him suffer leading up to WrestleMania, and he’s done just that.

The build to their match has allowed the monstrous side of Gunther to re-emerge, dominating and bloodying Jey’s brother Jimmy on Raw, and showing signs of a relentless champion against a contender seeking to make his moment. — Raj Prashad

Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. IYO SKY: A Triple-Threat Clash of Dominance

Three of WWE’s top women’s division powerhouses—Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and IYO SKY—are set to collide at WrestleMania in a high-stakes showdown fueled by frustration, ambition, and unfinished business.

Ripley recently lost her title and isn’t taking the dethroning lightly—crashing a contract signing to insert herself back into the mix by force. Belair remains the most consistent threat in the division, holding her ground as both fan favorite and in-ring powerhouse. Meanwhile, SKY enters the match still heated over being snubbed at Elimination Chamber, determined to prove she belongs in the spotlight.

With no clear alpha in WWE’s women’s division right now, this triple threat could crown a new queen—or see a former one rise again. — Tiana Randall

Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns: A Triple-Threat Showdown for the Ages

When CM Punk made his surprise return to WWE at Survivor Series in 2023, years of animosity between Seth Rollins and Punk came to a head. An injury to Punk altered plans for what appeared to be a match between the two at WrestleMania 40. Rollins instead was inserted into Cody Rhodes’ story with Roman Reigns, ultimately costing his former Shield partner the WWE Championship.

Fast forward to 2024, and the seeds would be planted for the evolution of this rivalry, with Paul Heyman recruiting long-time protégé, Punk, to help Reigns defeat the new Bloodline at WarGames. The following months saw drama unfold between Punk, Rollins, and Reigns as they jockeyed for WWE’s top position. First, Punk eliminated both Rollins and Reigns at the Royal Rumble. Then, it was Punk and Rollins costing each other a win at the Elimination Chamber. 

A cage match on Raw designed to settle the score between Rollins and Punk ended in absolute chaos, when a returning Reigns took out both men. That sequence set up a massive triple-threat match at WrestleMania 41: Night 1, serving as Punk’s first main event opportunity and a clash between three of WWE’s all-time top stars. — Raj Prashad

John Cena’s Shocking Heel Turn: A Bold Move Before His WWE Farewell

Look, this match sells itself on its own, it’s John Cena’s final WrestleMania after all. After arguably the greatest career in the history of the WWE, Cena is hanging up his jorts and going on a well-deserved year-long retirement run.

Fans like myself were chomping at the bit for Cena to get one more championship run during his farewell tour. breaking his tie with Ric Flair for the most World Titles. Cena earned that chance by winning the Elimination Chamber earlier this year leading to an insane main event collision with current WWE Champ Cody Rhodes. And if all of that wasn’t enough on its own, the biggest baby face in the history of professional wrestling turned heel for the very first time with The Rock and Travis Scott (yes, that Travis Scott) by his side.

Last year Rhodes finally finished his family’s story at WrestleMania 40, but I’m thinking it’s time for Cena to write the final chapter in his book this weekend in Vegas. — Ben Felderstein

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