WWE’s road to WrestleMania 41 is entering its last few weeks. The 2025 edition of Royal Rumble set up two of the four world title matches. Then the Elimination Chamber locked in the final two. In the weeks since February’s premium live event, the pieces are falling into place for the rest of April’s two-night event.
However, there are some notable names we expected to be at the event that could very well miss the Showcase of the Immortals. Including several future Hall of Famers, former champions, and a couple of WrestleMania main eventers. With all of that in mind, let’s look at eight WWE stars that could be left off of ‘Mania 41.
Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn was one part of the WrestleMania 39 night one main event. However, after losing to Kevin Owens at Elimination Chamber, he has not been seen on WWE TV since. Recent reports have suggested his contract could be close to expiring. It is very possible the company could be holding him out of the event until he signs a new contract. Which may not come before then.
Asuka
After having to undergo surgery to repair a serious knee injury, there has been evidence former WWE women’s champion Asuka could be nearing a return. Yet, as we get further down the road to WrestleMania 41, she has not been seen on WWE television. At this point, the safe bet is she is being saved as a surprise at events following next month’s mega event.
Braun Strowman
Former WWE Champion Braun Strowman is an active member of the Smackdown roster that is showcased every week. However, his path to WrestleMania seems unclear. His ongoing feud with the Bloodline seems to be winding down. This leaves the “Monster Among Men” in limbo heading into the April card.
Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch was expected to make her WWE return a long time ago. She was in the advertisement for Raw’s debut on Netflix and reports claimed she had signed a new contract. However, months have passed and the one-time WrestleMania headliner has yet to return to television. It wouldn’t make much sense to randomly thrust her into a storyline this late on the road to the big event. That is why it is very likely she will be watching WrestleMania 41 from backstage this year.
Uncle Howdy
We have not seen Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks for months. The rumors around the industry are that Howdy is injured. And it has forced all of the members of the faction to the sidelines. While there have been small hints of a storyline with Alexa Bliss, the company has made no clear movements in that direction. This means the Wyatt Sicks likely won’t appear at WrestleMania 41.
Jimmy Uso
Jey Uso is set to be in one of the biggest matches at WrestleMania 41. However, his brother Jimmy — one part of the ‘Mania 39 main event — does not have any obvious plans for the event. While he has been a fixture on Smackdown each week, he does not have a current feud and seems locked into rooting his brother on in his match against Gunther from backstage next month.
Nia Jax
Last year was one of the most successful in the career of Nia Jax. She won the WWE women’s title and was a featured part of Smackdown throughout the summer and fall. But the company has pumped the brakes on her push and has transitioned to other talent. Jax has done nothing wrong. She just seems to be the victim of a deep roster and other internal priorities for the massive event.
Sheamus
Sheamus is one of the top performers of his era. And is a lock to be in the WWE Hall of Fame one day. However, he has taken on the role of a mid-card talent that gets plugged into various spots on episodes of Smackdowns. Unfortunately, he has no clear plans for ‘Mania 41. Things aren’t looking good for the multi-time WWE champion’s hopes of performing at the April event.
