Three reasons why WWE opted for Gunther to feud with Cody Rhodes instead of Roman Reigns

Gunther ambushed Cody Rhodes during SmackDown.

Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes battled the debutant Ricky Saints in a non-title match during the May 1 edition of WWE SmackDown. Rhodes was able to defeat Saints to register his first win after getting medically cleared. However, before he could celebrate the win, Gunther ambushed Rhodes out of nowhere and locked him in the sleeper hold.

The Ring General released the hold momentarily only to lock it again, making sure the Champion doesn’t gain consciousness. After the attack, he is now set to appear on SmackDown next week, where he will likely explain his actions.

That said, many fans were puzzled by Gunther going to SmackDown and attacking Rhodes instead of feuding with World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns and fighting for the title he dominantly held last year. Even reports hinted at the feud, but now it seems like the plans have changed, and here are three possible reasons why.

3. Roman Reigns’ limited schedule

It is no secret to fans that Roman Reigns has a very limited schedule in WWE, even after capturing the title at WrestleMania. Roman had to assure fans after the show that he is going to be around throughout the summer.

While Reigns’ schedule might include appearances until SummerSlam, it still only leaves him to engage in two to three feuds, with the ongoing storyline with Jacob Fatu being one.

WWE might have pivoted to another storyline, as reports suggested WWE booking Roman vs Gunther around SummerSlam if the latter is unable to take on Brock Lesnar at the PLE. It is not confirmed if Brock’s return is in the works or if WWE simply pivoted.

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2. Bloodline drama

What points to WWE pivoting is the segment involving Solo Sikoa and the Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso), where Solo was blasting Jacob Fatu for the attack on his MFTs last week. While the Usos asked him to stay clear of Fatu until Roman gets his hands on him, Solo was in no mood as he signaled for Talla Tonga to take out the Usos, before declaring that Reigns is not his Tribal Chief.

This segment hints at WWE going all-in to revive the Bloodline storyline and might book Roman vs Solo in a feud after the former is done with Jacob Fatu at Backlash. Instead of a single storyline with the Ring General, they might choose to weave the multiple ongoing ones involving Roman, Fatu, the Usos, Solo Sikoa & the MFTs.

1. Re-establish Cody Rhodes as the top babyface

Having back-to-back feuds with the likes of Kevin Owens, Drew McIntyre, and Randy Orton, who are not just established fans but are also universally loved despite playing heels. Cody continues to beat everyone, leaving his character stale and without any nuance or unpredictability, forcing fans to either zone out, which is impossible, as he is the face of the product.

Notably, in the build-up to WrestleMania Rhodes was boos were audbile for Rhodes as fans were rooting for Orton, despite him being a heel. Feuding with someone like Gunther, who is universally despised, especially since he retired John Cena and AJ Styles, helps in Cody’s presentation as well as gives fans a new name for him to feud with, someone who fans can rile up against and cheer for Cody.

WWE can take it one step further by having Gunther defeat Cody to capture the Undisputed title. An underdog persona will also keep his character from becoming stale, and would be the next best thing if WWE has no plans to turn him heel.

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