Millions of wrestling fans are preparing for WrestleMania 41 this weekend, April 19-20, 2025, at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This year’s event is set to be monumental, featuring a star-studded lineup and a historic streaming debut, as WWE partners with Netflix to bring the action live to fans around the world. For many, including seven-year-old Oliver, this is the culmination of a year’s worth of anticipation. Oliver, who has been counting down the days until the event, will be allowed to stay up late to witness the spectacle as John Cena, a 16-time champion, attempts to dethrone Cody Rhodes in what could be a record-breaking match before Cena’s retirement.
The collaboration between WWE and Netflix is part of a massive $5 billion deal that aims to make WWE’s extensive archive and major events accessible to a global audience of 700 million. This 10-year agreement, which began earlier in 2025, marks a significant shift in how wrestling content is consumed, with WrestleMania streaming live on Netflix in various international territories for the first time. However, U.S. viewers will still catch the action on NBC's Peacock.
As WWE's Chief Content Officer, Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, stated, the deal with Netflix is a game-changer: "No matter where you are in the globe, there it is right in front of you. It's one click, and you're on and you're in." This reflects WWE's strategy to engage younger audiences who prefer on-demand streaming over traditional television.
The stakes for WrestleMania 41 are high, as it serves as a litmus test not only for WWE's global expansion but also for Netflix's foray into live sports. With millions expected to tune in, the event is poised to break streaming records, especially following the success of WrestleMania 40, which garnered 660 million views on social media and 1.3 billion live minutes of viewership across both nights.
WrestleMania has evolved since its inception in 1985, transforming into a two-night extravaganza that allows for deeper storytelling and greater financial returns. This year, fans can expect to see legendary figures like Cena, who is making his final appearance at WrestleMania, alongside rising stars and returning legends. Cena's shift to a villainous role has shocked many, especially young fans like Oliver, who grew up idolizing him.
In the lead-up to the event, SmackDown showcased the intensity and excitement surrounding WrestleMania. The April 18 episode at the T-Mobile Arena featured Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes signing posters and interacting with fans. The atmosphere was electric, with LA Knight attacking Tama Tonga outside the arena and Seth Rollins delivering a passionate promo that had the crowd chanting for CM Punk. Rollins emphasized the sacrifices he has made for the business, setting the stage for his pivotal match at WrestleMania.
As the event approaches, the anticipation builds. WrestleMania 41 will see Cena challenge Rhodes for the Undisputed Championship, with Cena declaring that this will be his last match. He warned Rhodes, stating, "Every day you hold that title, it gets heavier," foreshadowing a dramatic showdown. Rhodes, in turn, has called Cena "overrated" and "out of touch," promising to prove his doubters wrong.
The women’s division will also take center stage, with Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, and Bianca Belair set to battle in a high-stakes match. Ripley, who has been a dominant force in the division, expressed her determination to reclaim her championship, stating, "This one is probably the most important to me."
As fans gather in Las Vegas, both nights of WrestleMania are expected to draw 65,000 attendees each, marking a significant moment in WWE history. With the stakes higher than ever and the potential for record-breaking viewership, the world will be watching as WWE attempts to redefine the landscape of professional wrestling through this groundbreaking partnership with Netflix.
As the countdown to WrestleMania 41 continues, one thing is certain: the excitement is palpable, and the stories that unfold will resonate long after the final bell rings. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Cena’s farewell, the fierce competition among women wrestlers, or the thrill of live streaming, this year’s WrestleMania promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.
