Original Match Card for WrestleMania 41 Revealed

The Rock’s interview on Pat McAfee Show made it clear that plans changed for WWE around Elimination Chamber. And now, the new trailer for WWE: Unreal has given further insight into what was originally pitched by the creative team for their biggest show of the year. There are some big differences.

There was no John Cena heel turn involved. There was no Triple Threat match for the Women's World Championship, but a singles match. Two versions of the Triple Threat Main event from Night 1 were planned, along with a faction war, and several other matches were altered. The screenshot circulating on social media is from the documentary that WWE is airing, and while it's challenging to determine when the creative meeting took place in the photo, enhanced images of the whiteboard with the matches listed reveal some interesting ideas.

What Were The Pitched Matches For WrestleMania 41?

On the board, it appears Cody Rhodes Vs John Cena was always in the cards. Roman Reigns Vs CM Punk Vs Seth Rollins was also an option. However, it appears there was also a version that had Roman Reigns removed and Gunther in his place. That match likely would have been for the World Title. Rhea Ripley Vs Bianca Belair was on the docket, leaving out Iyo Sky. Meanwhile, Jade Cargill Vs Nia Jax would have been for the WWE Women's Championship. That would have meant no Tiffany Stratton vs Charlotte Flair. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens was always in the works, but WWE was thinking about a Wyatt Sicks Vs Judgement Day faction war. Charlotte would have teamed with a returning Becky Lynch to take on Iyo Sky and Asuka. AJ Styles Vs Logan Paul was a go, but Bad Bunny Vs Dominik Mysterio was also pitched. Finally, Bron Breakker Vs Drew McIntyre was on the card, as was Rey Mysterio Vs Chad Gable.

Things clearly changed a lot between when this creative meeting and the actual premium live event took place.