The road to WrestleMania 41 just hit a fever pitch as World Heavyweight Champion Gunther dropped a bombshell in his latest interview, dismissing Jey Uso as an unworthy challenger and calling out Roman Reigns to “step in” and spare his cousin from a brutal defeat. The Ring General’s provocative comments, paired with Reigns’ fiery response, have set the WWE Universe ablaze, amplifying the stakes for the April 19-20, 2025, showdown in Las Vegas. Here’s the full scoop on this explosive war of words!
In an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show on April 9, 2025, Gunther didn’t mince words about his WrestleMania opponent, Jey Uso, who earned his title shot by winning the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble. “I think Jey Uso is not the right opponent,” Gunther declared, his tone dripping with disdain. “He’s a tag team guy, a crowd-pleaser, but he’s not on my level. Roman Reigns should step in to save Jey from me—because I’m going to destroy him.” The champion, who brutalized Jey’s brother Jimmy Uso on the March 31 Raw, zip-tying Jey to the ropes to watch, doubled down on his psychological warfare, claiming another victory over Uso—his fourth—would “mean nothing” to his legacy. Gunther even revealed he’d hoped to face bigger names like CM Punk, Seth Rollins, or John Cena, relegating Jey to an afterthought.
The comments sparked immediate backlash, but no one responded with more venom than Roman Reigns, the “Tribal Chief” and former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Taking to X hours after the interview aired, Reigns unleashed a defiant retort: “Gunther, you talk a big game, but Jey’s got more heart than you’ll ever understand. He don’t need saving—he’s coming for your head. Keep my family’s name out your mouth, or I’ll make you acknowledge me.” The post, liked by over a million fans, hinted at Reigns’ protective instincts over his Bloodline cousin, fueling speculation that he could insert himself into the WrestleMania narrative, especially with his own Night 1 Triple Threat match against CM Punk and Seth Rollins looming.
Gunther’s taunts come at a critical juncture. Jey, riding the wave of his “YEET” movement, has transformed into a main-event star, but he’s 0-3 against Gunther, including a 2024 Intercontinental Title loss and a recent Saturday Night’s Main Event defeat. The champion’s March 31 assault on Jimmy—leaving him bloodied as Jey watched helplessly—flipped a switch in the “Main Event” star. On the April 7 Raw, Jey delivered a chilling promo, admitting past fear but vowing, “I’m not afraid of you no more,” leaving Gunther visibly rattled. The moment, praised by wrestling journalist Bill Apter as “electric,” shifted momentum, with Gunther abruptly walking out of a Raw Recap interview when pressed about Jey’s words.
The storyline’s personal edge—Gunther targeting Jey’s family—has elevated it from a standard title feud to a must-see saga. Jey’s quest isn’t just for the World Heavyweight Championship; it’s for redemption, honor, and proving he’s more than a “tag team guy.” Roman’s defense adds a layer of intrigue, especially after his 2023 clashes with Jey during The Bloodline’s implosion. Could the Tribal Chief’s support signal a family reunion, or is he setting the stage for his own agenda?
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, all eyes are on Las Vegas. Will Jey Uso defy Gunther’s predictions and claim his first world title? Can Gunther back up his brutal words and crush the YEET movement? And what role will Roman Reigns play when the dust settles? Catch the action live on Peacock and WWE Network—Gunther vs. Jey Uso is no longer just a match; it’s a war for respect.
