Full Breakdown
WWE Shifts Direction: Gunther Feuds with Rhodes
5/9/2026, 5:51:28 AM
Core Event – Attack on Cody Rhodes Sets New Title Path
On May 1 SmackDown, Cody Rhodes defeated Ricky Saints. Gunther then attacked him from behind, choking him and standing over him with Undisputed WWE Championship. The segment sparked speculation that Rhodes and Gunther will contest the title at the next live event.
Background & Context – Creative Pivot After Attack
Before the attack, WWE slated Gunther for a feud with Roman Reigns and planned a Cody Rhodes–Randy Orton match for Backlash after Orton’s WrestleMania 42 punt on Rhodes. It featured Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll, but fan reaction to McAfee and Orton’s injury prompted a pivot.
Key Figures & Groups – Central Participants
- Cody Rhodes – champion contender attacked on May 1.
- Gunther (The Ring General) – redirected from Roman Reigns to Rhodes; slated for a feud with LA Knight.
- Roman Reigns (The Tribal Chief) – target of Gunther; now linked to a match with Jacob Fatu at Backlash.
- Randy Orton (The Viper) – removed after WrestleMania 42 punt on Rhodes.
- Pat McAfee – personality whose involvement sparked negative fan reaction.
Timeline – Recent Developments
WrestleMania 42 – Rhodes vs. Orton; Orton punts Rhodes. May 1, 2026 – Gunther attacks Rhodes on SmackDown. May 8, 2026 – Meltzer reports major creative reshuffle. Backlash – premium live event (date not disclosed).
Official Statements & Responses – Reported WWE Direction
Dave Meltzer reported WWE “has been reshuffling several creative plans” and that “while not on Backlash, but certainly on an upcoming PPV, they shot an angle to set up Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther as the next WWE title program.” He added Gunther “had been earmarked for Roman Reigns” and that an interview had been recorded to launch that direction.
Criticism & Opposition – Fan Reaction and Injury Concerns
Pat McAfee’s involvement in the Rhodes-Orton storyline generated “negative fan reaction,” prompting WWE to revise its plans. Reports noted Orton was “hurting” physically, contributing to his removal and the need for a challenger for Rhodes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Unclear Match Announcements
WWE has not officially announced a Rhodes-Gunther match at Backlash, leaving the Roman Reigns-Gunther program’s status unspecified. The planned Rhodes-Orton tag match with Jelly Roll and Pat McAfee also lacks clarification.
Why It Matters – Impact on Title Picture and Bloodline
Gunther’s shift to Rhodes reshapes the WWE Championship picture, delaying a Reigns-Gunther showdown. It also affects Bloodline narrative, as matches with Jacob Fatu could shape the storyline toward SummerSlam.
What's Next – Upcoming Backlash and Potential Storylines
Backlash will feature Rhodes defending the title against Gunther. The Reigns-Gunther feud may be revisited on Raw, with result influencing Bloodline developments ahead of SummerSlam.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There have been a lot of WWE changes over the past few weeks when it comes to major direction.” — Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- “While not on Backlash, but certainly on an upcoming PPV, they shot an angle to set up Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther as the next WWE title program.” — Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- “Gunther had been earmarked for Roman Reigns and there was even an interview shot to start in that direction.” — Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- “However, it was also reported that Orton was "hurting" physically heading into the match.” — Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
