WrestleMania 41 takes place this Saturday and Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. As always, the event is jam-packed with big matches starring WWE’s biggest names.
The headliner of Sunday’s Night 2 is the match that has piqued the wrestling world’s interest, as John Cena attempts a record-breaking victory over undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes. If Cena wins, he will break his tie with Ric Flair for the most well-known world title reigns in wrestling history.
In his quest for the record, Cena has abandoned the fans, turning heel and attacking Rhodes after winning the Elimination Chamber. That shocking moment instantly went viral, giving WrestleMania a new edge.
On Sunday, Iyo Sky will defend her world championship title against Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley. Belair earned her shot at the championship by winning the women’s Elimination Chamber match, while Ripley was forced into the match after Sky defeated her on Raw to win the title.
WrestleMania 41 Night 2 airs live on Peacock on April 20 at 7 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at who the CBS Sports experts predict for each match.
WWE WrestleMania Night 1 2025 predictions
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena. It was always expected that Cena’s retirement tour would include him breaking the record for most title reigns. Everything comes down to how best to wear the belt and make the most of his time as champion.
If Cena wins on Sunday, there will be a title chase leading into SummerSlam, with Cena as the heel champion. That’s probably the best way to use Cena as his career winds down. Look for The Rock to show up and help Cena win, demonstrating to Rhodes what happens when you don’t do what “The Final Boss” asks of you. Brent Brookhouse picks John Cena to win the title.
The hero’s pursuit frequently trumps the subsequent title reign. It’s the status quo in professional wrestling. Rhodes would always struggle to top his emotional high from WrestleMania 40. Rhodes had a successful one-year reign as undisputed WWE champion, but it’s time to change things up.
Cena becoming a record-breaking 17-time world champion gives Rhodes motivation ahead of SummerSlam. Prediction: John Cena wins the title — Shakiel Mahjouri
Women’s World Championship — Iyo Sky (center) vs. Bianca Belair versus Rhea Ripley: WWE’s approach to this match is clear: Sky is the overlooked champion, while Belair and Ripley are focused on each other.
Sky has arguably been the best female wrestler in the world for over a year, and she deserves more time as champion. Sky should demonstrate how foolish Belair and Ripley were to dismiss her. Choose: Iyo. Sky retains the title — Brookhouse.
WWE has kept the outcome of this match under wraps. Unlike most Mania matches, there is no clear or correct direction here. Belair is undefeated at WrestleMania and is due for a major singles run after transitioning to the tag team division. I expect the “EST of WWE” to reign again. Pick: Bianca Belair wins the title — Mahjouri
AJ Styles versus Logan. Paul: Paul is a part-timer who usually shows up for exciting matches at major events. There’s really no reason to give him the win over Styles, who is a fantastic roster member who can be inserted into major storylines whenever WWE requires it.
WWE could play out Karrion Kross’ mind games by having Styles lose, but the more sensible option is to simply have Styles win. Paul will look good while losing, and that is enough. Pick: AJ Styles wins—Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
Intercontinental Championship—Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta vs. Finn Balor versus Dominik Mysterio: The time has come for WWE to strap Dom Mysterio. Since his divorce from his father, Mysterio has grown into a person with genuine screen presence and a distinct type of heel talent. Breakker should be aiming for the world title picture.
Balor is constantly at odds with Judgment Day, which would be exacerbated if Mysterio won the belt Balor has been vying for. Penta would be a fine winner, but he would be better off chasing Mysterio, the current champion. Pick: Dominik Mysterio wins the title – Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
Damian Priest versus Drew McIntyre (Sin City Street Fight): McIntyre should have a bigger role at WrestleMania 41. His feud with CM Punk was one of the best stories of last year, albeit often at his expense.
WWE had an intriguing storyline with his “Bloodline Hunter” saga, but it was quickly abandoned in favor of other WrestleMania matches. McIntyre and Priest are pitted against each other primarily for convenience. They both deserve to be highlighted, but McIntyre deserves more. Drew McIntyre wins over Mahjouri (also Brookhouse).
Women’s Tag Team Championship: Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez (c) vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria This match was thrown together randomly to fill out the card and get some important pieces on the board. As a result, it’s difficult to believe that Bayley and Valkyria will be chosen over the more established team.
Morgan’s feud with Rhea Ripley was a highlight of 2024, despite outstaying its welcome. The tag team titles are a step down for Morgan, but she adds credibility to them. Furthermore, the Judgment Day benefits from having gold in its circle.
If Morgan and Dominik Mysterio leave WrestleMania with titles, they will be the promotion’s most powerful couple. Pick: Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez retain their titles — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
