Sports · Football · 1 hr ago
Gunther’s SmackDown direction reportedly raises questions inside WWE
Gunther’s recent direction on WWE’s SmackDown has reportedly raised questions among people involved in the promotion’s creative work.
The report describes mild frustration and confusion about how he has been used on the show.
Gunther defeated and retired AJ Styles at Royal Rumble 2026, then faced Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42, but that match did not lead to a major storyline.
He later lost a Money in the Bank qualifying match to CM Punk and began feuding with Danhausen on SmackDown.
His recent role differs from his run retiring major WWE names, including Goldberg, John Cena and Styles.
No change to his storyline or next step was given.
A report says Gunther’s recent use on WWE’s SmackDown has prompted mild frustration and confusion among sources.
The report says people in WWE’s creative team have questioned his current direction.
The questions come after Gunther retired Goldberg, John Cena and AJ Styles and then moved to SmackDown.
His recent appearances have included a feud involving Danhausen and Finn Balor, and a loss to CM Punk in a Money in the Bank qualifying match.
Gunther has also said he wants another championship opportunity, with Sami Zayn’s Undisputed WWE Championship in his sights.
- Who
- Gunther and people in WWE’s creative team.
- What
- A report says Gunther’s recent SmackDown use has caused mild frustration and confusion, and raised questions about his direction.
- When
- The report was published on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- WWE, particularly Friday Night SmackDown.
- Why
- The questions reportedly reflect the contrast between his recent presentation and the trajectory built through retiring several WWE legends.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Gunther retired Goldberg, John Cena and AJ Styles.
Gunther defeated and retired AJ Styles.
Gunther faced Seth Rollins, but the match did not lead to a significant storyline.
Fightful reported that sources described mild frustration and confusion about Gunther’s recent use on SmackDown.
- Reported reaction
- Mild frustration and confusion about Gunther’s recent SmackDown use
- Retired wrestlers
- Goldberg, John Cena and AJ Styles
- Money in the Bank qualifier
- Gunther took a pinfall loss to CM Punk
- Championship target
- Sami Zayn’s Undisputed WWE Championship
- Report date
- October 16, 2026
3 sources
Posts on X
.@WrestleVotes Radio on @FightfulSelect is hearing from sources that there's been a mild sense of frustration and confusion surrounding the recent use of GUNTHER on SmackDown. In speaking with a source, it was mentioned to us that his current direction has raised questions among