The recent Netflix docuseries WWE: Unreal unveiled that the original WrestleMania 41 lineup included a one-on-one match between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, part of the ongoing storyline involving The Shield faction. This plan was ultimately replaced by a triple threat match featuring CM Punk, which concluded with Paul Heyman turning on Reigns and joining Rollins.
Other Significant Matches Removed from Original Card
Besides the main event change, the docuseries revealed several other planned encounters that did not make the final WrestleMania 41 card. These included Gunther defending the World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk; Rhea Ripley fighting Bianca Belair for the Women’s World Championship; and Nia Jax defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill. Additional scrapped bouts featured Bron Breakker versus Drew McIntyre with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the special referee, Wyatt Sicks facing Judgment Day, and Rey Mysterio teaming with Travis Scott against Chad Gable.
Further planned matches removed included Bad Bunny versus Dominik Mysterio, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair challenging IYO SKY and Asuka for the Women’s Tag Team Championship, and two intense ladder matches: an Intercontinental Title contest among Jey Uso, Damian Priest, Sheamus, Bronson Reed, Ludwig Kaiser, and Sami Zayn; and a U.S. Title ladder match involving LA Knight, Jimmy Uso, Andrade, Solo Sikoa, Santos Escobar, Carmelo Hayes, and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Insights into WWE’s Evolving Storytelling Process
WWE: Unreal highlights how plans for WrestleMania 41 were highly flexible, often shifting due to injuries, timing, star momentum, and creative decisions. The docuseries offers viewers an inside look at the challenges the writing team faces as storylines change rapidly ahead of the largest event of the year.
The series also reveals the negotiation process for match-ups and the strategic nature of booking in WWE, underscoring the complexities involved in crafting a successful WrestleMania show.
WWE: Unreal Now Streaming on Netflix
The full docuseries is currently available exclusively on Netflix, providing fans a behind-the-scenes perspective on WWE’s creative operations. Additional updates and analysis related to WWE: Unreal and the upcoming SummerSlam weekend will continue to be covered.
