The X-Factor: WWE WrestleMania 41 predictions

Every year since 2014, I spend my weekends during WrestleMania season rewatching my favorites and classics from there. I always start with XV. I became a fan months after so I rented it from Blockbuster. Of all the intros, that’s my favorite. 

I go on from there while adding matches from 6, 13, and 14. You know which ones. I end with X-Seven. Except for that, my favorite ‘Mania is 22.

Random thought. Maybe the buildup to Las Vegas is seen as lacking because the build to last years was great. 

They’re not making the mistake of cramming stars on the cards yet they’re treating the go-home Smackdown as a pre-show of sorts. Why aren’t the Smackdown Tags and the Women’s US titles on the line on the big shows? Who will be Randy Orton’s opponent? 

Ok, let’s dive in.

Night 1

Rey Mysterio vs. Chad Ga…uh I mean El Grande Americano

He’s got a proper one on one match with a legend, so yay! Dear Lord, remember his time as Shorty G? This could land anywhere from 3 to 4 stars and lead to better things for Gable.

Winner: Chad Gable

Jade Cargill vs. Naomi

Wait, a women’s singles match without a stipulation or a title on the line? Hell froze over again.

Do they really see greatness in Jade, or is it her goddess body they see the most? This could tie in to Bianca’s triple threat somehow. Some of you want her to finally turn, but how to justify it is another matter.

Winner: Jade Cargill

United States Championship 

Jacob Fatu vs. LA Knight (c)

They’re gonna have to get the wheels turning on an LA Knight world title run soon. He’s 42.

It’s a shame that the Bloodline’s lost steam, but anyone with a brain can see Solo Sikoa turning on another cousin soon enough. This could be a minor classic, which is a tall task on a combined 14 match card.

Winner: Jacob Fatu

WWE Women’s Championship 

Charlotte Flair vs. Tiffany Stratton (c)

Her skill was never the issue, but it would be great if Triple H would find something else for Charlotte besides title pursuits.

The 0-3 promo. Off-script or not, it’s generated a lot of heat going into Las Vegas. Most of us are saying “Tiffany has to win”, yet Charlotte is creative’s pet. Tiffany getting the rub should happen and we know her challenger can deliver.

Winner: Tiffany Stratton

World Heavyweight Championship

Jey Uso vs. Gunther (c)

Let’s put this to bed right now. Jey has been around for 15 years. The fans at large love him. He’s paid his dues. With Triple H in charge, they’re not gonna “Brock Lesnar” him like Kofi.

I also look at Gunther and wish he didn’t have to lose a title for the second straight year. If he does drop it, he should regain it. 

I’m hoping for this. Jimmy and Roman wait for him at ‘Gorilla’ to tell him. “We acknowledge you.”

Winner: Jey Uso

Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk

Phil’s bucket list will have one item crossed off by Sunday.

The rumors that the winner would be added to Night 2’s main event. What if they aren’t rumors? Will The Rock hit the elaborate stage and announce it after the match ends?

Then there’s the wild card named Paul Heyman who – even without getting punched out by Reigns – has a legit reason for wanting to turn on him. As for Seth, it’s hard to sympathize when he comes off like a blowhard who’s consistently favored by management, whether it was Vince or The Game. Seth is on his high horse and I wish he would get knocked off.

Oh, and then there’s Plan B.

Whatever’s been said about Roman, at least he kept his family around. He has been betrayed a lot too.

What do they have planned? Will someone turn? Will Heyman turn?

Winner: CM Punk

Night 2

Intercontinental Championship 

Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta vs. Bron Breakker (c)

Oh look. Dominik’s in a match at ‘Mania without daddy dearest. Yay.

I’m sure he won’t win and cause more friction in the Judgment Day, a faction that – I’m sorry to say – has run its course.

Winner: Dominik Mysterio

AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul

They have to deliver. There hasn’t been too much focus on them, so now they’ll have to make us notice.

Logan Paul is no slouch in the ring. That much can be agreed upon, but AJ has gotten older so they might not steal the show? 

Winner: Logan Paul

Women’s World Championship 

Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Iyo Sky (c)

Can Ripley please go away for a while? She’s spent 2025 acting like a spoiled brat who’s strong armed herself into the women’s title picture. She’s also a bit overexposed.

Have they telegraphed a heel turn for the EST? She never apologized for pointing the finger at the Judgment Day females and she has been behaving heelish. They just removed her from the Naomi – Cargill drama.

They’ve been saying Iyo needs to win. I’m a little doubtful what with the special treatment Rhea’s getting. She doesn’t need to lose a title for the second straight WrestleMania and her two challengers can survive without a strap for a little longer.

Winner: Iyo Sky

Sin City Street Fight

Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest

Steal the show, they had better.

Both of them can bring it in a match with no rules. It’s been brewing for over a year. You know it’s gonna be great!

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Undisputed WWE Championship

John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes (c)

Which would’ve been better? A road to Allegiant Stadium with a heel turn or without it? 

Will The Rock be there? Will it turn into a repeat of last year? With Stone Cold Steve Austin present in Vegas, well, you know what’s up. The irony of Austin showing up to stop Cena – a corporate stooge – from winning. 

I have mixed feelings. I expected Cena to claim #17 as a hero. Perhaps that’s how it will happen down the road?

The fans are still treating Cody well. He’s had a good year long run and I wanna say him losing won’t hurt him in the long run, but maybe it shouldn’t be Cena who dethrones him. 

Oh, how will it go down? The betting odds have been wrong before so…

Winner: Cody Rhodes

Fingers crossed we get a seven and not a snake eyes.

Don’t mess with the X.