WWE’s Original Plans For GUNTHER at WrestleMania 42 Revealed

GUNTHER’s WrestleMania 42 status has been a major question over the past few weeks — but now we know what WWE originally had planned before everything changed.

With the Ring General off TV since early March and Rey Mysterio dealing with a rib injury, speculation has been all over the place about whether GUNTHER would even have a match at WrestleMania. Now, a new update is clearing that up in a big way.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live on March 27, 2026, Bryan Alvarez revealed that WWE actually had a clear direction locked in before Mysterio’s injury forced a shift: “GUNTHER was supposed to face Rey, and that was the plan. Then, lo and behold, Rey got hurt.” According to Alvarez, the situation changed quickly once Mysterio went down, which explains why things suddenly felt uncertain around GUNTHER’s role heading into WrestleMania.

“That was what was supposed to happen — there was no plan to keep him off WrestleMania.”

This lines up with earlier reports that WWE still expects GUNTHER to play a major role at WrestleMania 42, even after the original match direction was thrown off course. His last appearance — a dominant and physical win over Dragon Lee — looked like a stepping stone toward that exact showdown.

Instead, Mysterio’s injury forced WWE to pivot, leaving GUNTHER off television while creative figures out the next move. Despite that absence, the internal expectation hasn’t changed — he’s still slated for a significant spot on the biggest show of the year.

With WrestleMania 42 approaching fast, the question now becomes how WWE reworks the Ring General’s path — whether that means a replacement opponent or a completely new storyline direction.

Do you think WWE should stick with a similar matchup style for GUNTHER, or pivot entirely and give him a fresh opponent at WrestleMania 42? Drop your thoughts below and let us know.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.