As the excitement builds for WrestleMania 41, WWE Raw delivered a thrilling episode on April 7, 2025, in Minneapolis, featuring significant updates for the upcoming premium live event. With the stakes higher than ever, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced major match changes that have fans buzzing.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night came when Pearce confirmed that Rhea Ripley would officially join Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair in a triple threat match for the WWE Women's World Championship at WrestleMania 41. This announcement followed weeks of tension and drama among the three superstars, culminating in a heated contract signing segment.
Pearce expressed his surprise at the inability of the three women to resolve their issues professionally, leading him to add Ripley to the title match. “I thought you could handle this like pros,” Pearce said, acknowledging the chaos that ensued during previous encounters. Ripley has been vocal about her desire for a fair shot at the title, especially after being sidelined in recent matches.
Ripley’s journey to this moment has been tumultuous. Initially, she lost the title to Sky after Belair, serving as a special guest referee, inadvertently contributed to her defeat. This past week, Ripley’s persistence paid off when Pearce finally granted her request, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown at Allegiant Stadium on April 19 and 20.
Meanwhile, the match card for WrestleMania 41 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history. The updated lineup includes:
- WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena
- Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
- World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Jey Uso
- Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
- Women’s World Championship: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley
- Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta vs. Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
- United States Championship: LA Knight (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
- AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul
- Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
In another significant development, Bron Breakker will defend his Intercontinental Championship in a Fatal 4-Way match against Penta, Finn Balor, and Dominik Mysterio, further intensifying the rivalry within The Judgment Day. Breakker's reputation for being a dominant force in the ring makes this match one to watch closely.
On the April 7 episode of Raw, the action kicked off with a recap of last week’s Women’s World Championship match, setting the tone for the evening. The segment featuring Pearce, Ripley, Sky, and Belair was electric, filled with tension as Ripley and Belair exchanged barbs while Sky looked on, frustrated by their dismissive attitude.
In the ring, Sky took advantage of the chaos and landed a springboard dropkick on both Ripley and Belair, showcasing her athleticism and determination to retain her title. The atmosphere was charged as the three competitors signed the contract, officially making the triple threat match a reality.
Throughout the night, the storylines continued to unfold with Finn Balor questioning Dominik Mysterio’s toughness and heart, setting the stage for their upcoming singles match. Balor's confidence has been soaring after he pinned Penta for the first time in a WWE ring last week, a feat he attributed to Mysterio’s interference. Now, Mysterio must prove himself against Penta, who is eager to bounce back from that loss.
As for the championship matches, Bayley faced off against Lyra Valkyria for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship. The match was a showcase of athleticism, with both women exchanging pinning combinations and high-impact moves. Valkyria managed to retain her title, but not without a fight from the ever-resilient Bayley.
In addition to the championship bouts, the show featured Chad Gable, who continues to insist he is not the masked wrestler known as El Grande Americano, despite the mystery surrounding his character. Gable’s insistence on his identity adds an intriguing layer to his upcoming performance, as fans eagerly await to see how this storyline will unfold.
With WrestleMania 41 just around the corner, the energy in the WWE Universe is palpable. Fans are eagerly counting down the days until they can witness the culmination of these intense rivalries and championship pursuits. The stage is set for a weekend of unforgettable action, and the stakes have never been higher.
As the clock ticks down to WrestleMania 41, all eyes will be on the superstars of WWE as they prepare to deliver the performances of their lives. Will Iyo Sky successfully defend her title against Ripley and Belair? Can Bron Breakker hold onto his championship in a fierce Fatal 4-Way? The answers will unfold on April 19 and 20 in Las Vegas, and fans won’t want to miss a moment of the action!
