Gunther is currently experiencing an iconic run as the Intercontinental Champion in WWE, but he won’t be winning the big one just yet. A recent report suggested that Gunther was going to beat Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 and it appears this report confused many in WWE.
Sports Illustrated recently reported that WWE had a new plan in place for Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40. Gunther was said to be the favorite to win the Royal Rumble and potentially dethrone Rollins on the first night of WrestleMania 40.
”After a month of speculation that CM Punk would challenge world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins at WrestleMania, a new plan is in place. Gunther is the favorite to win the Royal Rumble and then dethrone Rollins on the first night of WrestleMania.”
According to Sean Ross Sapp behind Fightful’s paywall, Sports Illustrated’s report propelled Gunther to the forefront of Royal Rumble betting odds. WWE insiders acknowledged Gunther as a top talent but expressed confusion regarding detailed plans and specific claimed outcomes in the Sports Illustrated story.
Despite their positive view of Sports Illustrated and the author, WWE sources mentioned perplexity, particularly regarding the implication that Damian Priest needed to cash in his briefcase by WrestleMania, which is not accurate.
”The story actually shifted Gunther into the top of the Royal Rumble betting odds. WWE sources spoke to Fightful that said that they’ve long seen Gunther as a top talent, but were just befuddled by the detailed plans involving top angles and specific claimed results. Those we spoke to in WWE spoke highly of SI and the author, but said they were confused by elements of the story. They cited the implication that Damian Priest would need to cash in his briefcase by WrestleMania, which is not the case.”
WWE’s backstage reaction to Gunther’s Royal Rumble botch was also revealed. Nonetheless, it is likely Sports Illustrated’s report was not exactly accurate and Seth Rollins vs CM Punk would be happening at WrestleMania 40 in the end. We’ll have to see what WWE has planned for them in the end.
What do you think of this story concerning Gunther? Are you shocked the report was likely inaccurate? Sound off in the comments section below!