Dave Meltzer has revealed that WWE has made a creative pivot for the Undisputed WWE Championship picture, with Gunther now set to be Cody Rhodes’ next title program after plans involving Randy Orton created uncertainty.
Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter: “There have been a lot of WWE changes over the past few weeks when it comes to major direction. 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. Gunther had been earmarked for Roman Reigns and there was even an interview shot to start in that direction.
Randy Orton punting Rhodes after their WrestleMania match clearly was leading to keeping that program going with Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll no longer in the picture. Orton hasn’t appeared since WrestleMania. There is no confirmation of an Orton injury, but we had reported he was hurting. Before the show the plan was for Orton to win with the proviso that could be changed based on his injury status.”
Gunther’s attack on Rhodes on the May 1 edition of SmackDown in Tulsa now has an explanation as WWE had been building toward a Gunther and Roman Reigns program and had even shot interview material pointing in that direction before pivoting. The change in direction for Gunther appears connected to Orton’s status, as the original plan had been to continue the Rhodes and Orton feud, with Orton potentially winning the title.
Orton has not been seen on WWE television since his punt kick on Rhodes following their WrestleMania 42 match. Meltzer had previously reported Orton was dealing with physical issues heading into the event, though no formal injury announcement has been made.