For the first time ever, WWE's biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 41, will stream live on Netflix across select countries, promising viewers worldwide the chance to experience the annual spectacle from the comfort of their homes. Scheduled for April 19 and 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, WrestleMania 41 is generating significant buzz, with stars like John Cena, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes all expected to make appearances.
The event will kick off on both nights at 4 PM PT / 6 PM CT / 7 PM ET for audiences in the United States, translating to midnight BST on the following mornings for UK viewers. Fans can anticipate high viewership, especially since WWE's new partnership with Netflix allows existing subscribers to watch WrestleMania at no additional cost.
Notably, WrestleMania 41 will include matchups such as Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena, as well as Gunther facing Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship. The women’s championship bouts will feature Tiffany Stratton defending against Charlotte, and Iyo Sky battling Bianca Belair. Official match lists for each night will soon be announced, heightening the excitement.
Cena has uniquely positioned himself for a historic challenge at WrestleMania 41, vying to become a record 17-time World Champion. His road to this defining match has been tumultuous, culminating from shocking developments at the recent Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event. During this event, Cena capitalized on the opportunity presented by Rhodes and unexpectedly launched an attack after appearing to embrace him, leaving Rhodes hurt and confused.
The aftermath of this turn has amplified interest between Cena and Rhodes as they prepare to collide. Cena has not appeared live on WWE television since this attack, raising questions about his intentions and alliances, especially his apparent collaboration with The Rock. Fans are eager for answers, as Cena is set to make his anticipated return on March 17, 2025, during the WWE Monday Night Raw episode.
This upcoming episode marks a significant moment as it will be broadcast live from Brussels, Belgium, at 7 PM GMT, significantly altering previous scheduling to align with European timings, thanks to the new Netflix deal. This means UK viewers won't have to wait for delayed broadcasts, enhancing real-time engagement.
While the spotlight will be on Cena and Rhodes, Monday Night Raw will also feature several exciting matchups to look forward to. These include Bron Breakker defending his Intercontinental Championship against Finn Balor, Penta facing Ludwig Kaiser in a No Holds Barred match, and Jey Uso challenging Austin Theory. Dakota Kai will also battle Ivy Nile as part of this action-packed night.
Going back to WrestleMania 41, the earnings of WWE stars during this high-stakes weekend are another point of intrigue for fans and industry observers alike. WWE insiders suggest wrestlers can earn significant paydays from merchandise sales and pay-per-view percentages. The base salary for wrestlers on the Smackdown and Raw rosters starts at $250,000, but earnings can spike significantly during major events like WrestleMania. For perspective, top earners from 2023 included Roman Reigns and Randy Orton, both reportedly bringing home $5 million annually, with Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins following closely behind at $3 million and $3.5 million respectively.
The involvement of stars like Cena and Rhodes promises additional boosts to their respective earnings through merchandise and match bonuses. Given their star power and the high profile of WrestleMania, April 19 and 20 could prove to be lucrative days not just for them but for every WWE wrestler participating.
With the first-ever live streaming of WrestleMania on Netflix, fans around the globe are set for unprecedented access to one of the most exciting events on the wrestling calendar. This transition is part of WWE's efforts to expand its global footprint among fans and adapt to the streaming era. This year’s WrestleMania stands poised to break records not only for viewership but potentially for fan engagement—creating perhaps the most significant chapter yet for WWE as it embraces new broadcasting avenues.
Wrestling fans everywhere eagerly await the events of WrestleMania 41, ready for the captivating storylines, stunning matchups, and emotional moments, as WWE continues to deliver its dynamic blend of sport and entertainment.
