History of WrestleMania 41 in Timeline

WrestleMania 41, branded WrestleMania Vegas, was WWE's annual flagship event held as a two-night pay-per-view and livestreaming spectacle on April 19 and 20, 2025. Staged at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, it featured wrestlers from the Raw and SmackDown brands. This marked the 41st iteration of WrestleMania and the second time the Las Vegas area hosted the event, with the first being WrestleMania IX in 1993 at Caesars Palace. The event showcased top wrestling talent and storylines from WWE's premier divisions.

1985: First WrestleMania

In 1985, the first WrestleMania was held, establishing it as WWE's flagship professional wrestling pay-per-view and livestreaming event.

1993: WrestleMania IX at Caesars Palace

In 1993, WrestleMania IX took place at Caesars Palace, marking the first WrestleMania held in the Las Vegas area. WrestleMania 41 in 2025 was the second WrestleMania to take place in the Las Vegas area.

2003: John Cena heel turn.

In 2025, John Cena viciously attacked Cody Rhodes, siding with Rock, turning heel for the first time since 2003.

2013: CM Punk at WrestleMania 29

In 2013, CM Punk participated in WrestleMania 29. WrestleMania 41 included a match featuring CM Punk, marking his first WrestleMania appearance since WrestleMania 29.

February 2014: Launch of WWE Network

In February 2014, WWE launched the WWE Network, making WrestleMania the company's first major event available via livestreaming.

2016: Naomi heel turn

In 2025, Naomi revealed the truth that she was Cargill's attacker and regretted not doing it sooner, thus turning heel for the first time since 2016.

2021: SummerSlam 2021 at Allegiant Stadium

In 2021, Allegiant Stadium hosted SummerSlam, making WrestleMania 41 the second WWE event held at the venue.

November 2023: CM Punk's Return and Feud with Seth Rollins

In November 2023, CM Punk returned to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames and immediately became a target of Seth Rollins. Punk joined Roman Reigns's team for the WarGames match.

2023: Merger of WWE and UFC as TKO Group Holdings

In 2023, WWE and UFC merged as TKO Group Holdings, controlled by Endeavor. The decision to host WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas was influenced by a "change in direction by new ownership" following this merger.

May 4, 2024: WrestleMania 41 Host City Announcement

On May 4, 2024, it was announced that Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, would host WrestleMania 41 on April 19 and April 20, 2025. The announcement was made during NBC's pre-race coverage for the 150th Kentucky Derby.

May 2024: Becky Lynch's Hiatus

Becky Lynch went on hiatus in May 2024, before returning for WrestleMania 41.

October 5, 2024: Kevin Owens Attacks Cody Rhodes After Bad Blood

On October 5, 2024, after the Bad Blood event, Kevin Owens attacked Cody Rhodes as Rhodes was entering his bus.

October 25, 2024: WrestleMania 41 Combo Tickets On Sale

On October 25, 2024, two-day combo tickets for WrestleMania 41 went on sale.

November 22, 2024: Jade Cargill Attacked on SmackDown

On November 22, 2024, Jade Cargill was attacked in the parking lot on SmackDown and was ruled unable to compete. Naomi replaced her as one-half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.

December 2, 2024: Big E Removed From New Day

On December 2, 2024, Big E was removed from The New Day on Monday Night Raw.

2024: Punk injury and continuation of feud with Rollins

CM Punk was unable to compete for several months after tearing his triceps at the 2024 Royal Rumble, Punk returned from injury and had various encounters with Rollins, further enraging him.

2024: John Cena's Retirement Announcement and WrestleMania 41 Challenge

In 2024, John Cena revealed his plan to retire from professional wrestling at the end of 2025 and announced that he would compete at WrestleMania 41.

January 2025: WWE and Netflix Rights Deal

In January 2025, WWE began a 10-year rights deal with Netflix, making WrestleMania 41 the first WrestleMania to livestream on Netflix in most international markets.

January 2025: McIntyre and Priest Transferred to SmackDown

In January 2025, as part of WWE's transfer window, Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest were both transferred to the SmackDown brand.

January 2025: WWE Network Merger Under Netflix

In January 2025, the WWE Network merged under Netflix in most international markets, making WrestleMania 41 the first WrestleMania to livestream on Netflix in those areas.

January 24, 2025: WrestleMania 41 Single Day Tickets On Sale

On January 24, 2025, single day tickets for WrestleMania 41 went on sale.

February 24, 2025: Naomi and Belair Lose Tag Team Title

On February 24, 2025, Naomi and Bianca Belair lost the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez on Raw.

April 7, 2025: The New Day win via disqualification against The War Raiders

On April 7, 2025, The New Day faced The War Raiders for the World Tag Team Championship. Woods attempted to hit Erik with a steel chair, but the referee saw Erik inadvertently hit Woods with the chair instead, causing The New Day to win via disqualification. The War Raiders remained champions.

April 20, 2025: WrestleMania 41 Night 2

WrestleMania 41 was a two-night event that took place on April 19 and April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The event featured wrestlers from WWE's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions.

2025: CM Punk, Rollins and Reigns triple threat match

In 2025, CM Punk and Seth Rollins continued their feud culminating in a triple threat match with Roman Reigns scheduled for WrestleMania 41. It was later confirmed that the match would be the main event on Night 1.

2025: Cena vs Rhodes main event at WrestleMania 41

In 2025, John Cena won the Elimination Chamber match, earning a title match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. Cena viciously attacked Rhodes, siding with Rock, turning heel for the first time since 2003. The match was later confirmed to be the main event on Night 2.

2025: Celebrity Involvement at WrestleMania 41

In 2025, Various celebrities participated in WrestleMania 41. Dana White narrated the Night 1 cold open, Jelly Roll performed "God Bless America", Salvatore Ganacci opened for Jey Uso's entrance, Jim Cantore was part of Jade Cargill's entrance, Living Colour played "Cult of Personality" for CM Punk's entrance, Ava Max performed "The Star-Spangled Banner", Kerry King played for Damian Priest's entrance and Travis Scott got involved in the Night 2 main event match.

2025: WrestleMania 41 Week Festivities

In 2025, WWE held a number of events throughout WrestleMania week, including a special WrestleMania Edition of Monday Night Raw, WaleMania X presented by Netflix, a WrestleMania Edition of Friday Night SmackDown featuring the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony, NXT Stand & Deliver, The Undertaker's 1deadMAN show, and "The Roast of WrestleMania Featuring Tony Hinchcliffe & Friends".