Add as a preferred source on Google WWE went through a series of major creative changes in the weeks following WrestleMania 42, directly affecting the direction of several names on the roster.
According to Fightful Select, creative plans for many wrestlers were changed quickly after the Showcase of the Immortals, something that had already become noticeable across WWE’s weekly programming.
One of the biggest examples involves Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Gunther. The feud between Rhodes and Orton was expected to continue after WrestleMania, but plans changed due to Orton’s absence and the strong backlash to Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll’s involvement. As a result, Gunther, who had previously been considered for a program with Roman Reigns, was redirected into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.
On last Friday’s episode of SmackDown, Gunther defeated Royce Keys to officially become Cody Rhodes’ challenger for the title at Clash In Italy, which takes place May 31 at Inalpi Arena in Turin.
[🔴]NEW:After Wrestlemania the creative direction of many wrestlers were changed quickly
— SuplexInsider (@SuplexInsider) May 18, 2026
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The women’s division also went through some adjustments. Fatal Influence, made up of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid, has made a bigger impression than expected since debuting on SmackDown, leading to Jayne being viewed internally as a stronger piece for the months ahead.
On the other hand, AJ Lee still does not have immediate creative plans, despite internal hope that she could return for bigger events such as SummerSlam.
In other words, WrestleMania 42 served as a real turning point for WWE, which continues to reorganize its top names heading into the summer.