Add as a preferred source on Google WWE reportedly made a major creative shift a few weeks ago, moving Gunther into a feud with Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship instead of following through with the original plan involving Roman Reigns.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the Austrian star was initially booked to begin a program with the OTC immediately after WrestleMania, and WWE had even taped an interview meant to kick off that rivalry.
That changed on the May 1 episode of SmackDown, where Gunther made a surprise appearance after Rhodes defeated Ricky Saints and attacked the champion with the Gojira Clutch. WWE has also announced that The Ring General will be on this Friday’s SmackDown, where he is expected to explain his actions.
According to the report, the Rhodes vs. Gunther feud is not expected to lead to a match at Backlash, but rather at an upcoming premium live event. The change also helps explain why Randy Orton, who attacked Rhodes after WrestleMania 42, has yet to return to television, despite there being no official confirmation of an injury.
Meanwhile, Roman Reigns remains focused on Jacob Fatu. The World Heavyweight Champion will defend his title against The Samoan Werewolf in the main event of Backlash this Saturday, May 9.
Another unresolved piece is Paul Heyman, who recently admitted that he owes Gunther a favor. Heyman being shown in a conversation with Nick Aldis on the same SmackDown where Cody was attacked has raised suspicion that the debt could be tied to Gunther’s new direction.