A new report has shed light on when several WrestleMania 41 matches came together, as well as some bouts that were considered but ultimately didn’t happen. A whiteboard seen in a teaser for the upcoming WWE: Unreal Netflix series offered a glimpse at some early creative discussions, and Fightful Select has followed up with additional insights.
* Many of the matches listed on the board were tentative and not finalized, with some wrestlers appearing multiple times in different potential matchups.
* One match that was under consideration was The Wyatt Sicks vs. The Judgment Day, but Bo Dallas being sidelined disrupted those plans. Reportedly, many of the wrestlers involved were never formally approached about the idea.
* Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax was discussed internally, but due to Jax’s status, the spot ultimately went to Naomi.
* A title match between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton was listed but had already been locked in by December, even before Flair returned from injury. Flair was also noted as potentially teaming with Becky Lynch to face IYO SKY and Asuka, though talent were never pitched that match. Lynch, at one point, had been approached about a different match entirely.
* At the time, WrestleMania 41 plans for CM Punk, Seth Rollins, GUNTHER, and Roman Reigns were still in flux. Both Rollins and Punk were mentioned twice on the board.
* Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair was also listed, with IYO SKY later added to the mix.
* By mid-January, sources say Jey Uso vs. GUNTHER had been locked in.
* As for Randy Orton, the internal word is that he personally chose Joe Hendry as his opponent after Kevin Owens was sidelined with an injury. Orton vs. Owens had been the long-term plan. Chad Gable vs. Rey Mysterio and AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul were also matches that had been in the works.
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