Gunther Reflects on WrestleMania 41 Title Match with Jey Uso – WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther discusses his WrestleMania 41 title defense against Jey Uso, addresses fan expectations, and shares thoughts on possible dream opponents like CM Punk and John Cena.
Gunther will defend his title against Jey Uso on Night 1 of WrestleMania 41, and while the matchup may not have been the dream bout fans envisioned, the Imperium leader is embracing the opportunity as a defining moment in his career.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Gunther admitted that he never had one specific opponent in mind for the biggest show of the year. While many fans speculated about potential showdowns with top-tier stars like Roman Reigns, CM Punk, or John Cena, Gunther explained that WWE’s rapidly shifting landscape created new opportunities—and that Jey Uso became a fitting and meaningful opponent.
“I didn’t really nail it down, to be honest. We have so many guys when it comes to in-ring that are super exciting to have a match with,” Gunther said. “As a wrestler, you always want to make the next step. My hopes were like, can I mix it up with somebody like Punk, maybe Seth, maybe Roman? Even Cena. It didn’t work out, but I think we’re in a situation where, in the company, so many things changed in a very short time and there is a whole new excitement about the company.”
Despite the speculation surrounding bigger marquee names, WWE has made it clear that Gunther vs. Jey Uso is a major part of the WrestleMania 41 build. The match has received significant on-air promotion, including video packages and spotlight segments highlighting both men’s journeys. WWE is positioning the bout as a pivotal clash between a dominant champion and a beloved underdog looking to rise on his own.
Gunther acknowledged Jey’s long-term presence in WWE and noted the significance of Uso’s rise as a singles competitor.
“It’s a big opportunity for guys who are new into the place like me or somebody like Jey who has been around forever and now finally has a chance to do something on his own,” Gunther said. “There’s been a lot of guys I’ve had matches with. It’s like the perfect breeding ground for us to have all the attention on us and leave a mark.”
While he understands the desire from fans to see him share the ring with names like Roman Reigns or John Cena, Gunther views his upcoming title defense as an opportunity to elevate both himself and Uso in the eyes of the WWE Universe.
“At the end of the day, I feel everybody can stand out when they’re in the ring with somebody that is super established and a made figure. Somebody like Roman. If we can make a difference together and set a new standard of what to expect from us going forward, it’s the perfect opportunity for that and a challenge, somewhat, too,” Gunther added. “It’s a high-pressure situation, but I feel that’s when I thrive. The high-pressure situations are sink or swim, and I’m glad with how everything worked out.”
Gunther enters WrestleMania 41 as one of the most dominant champions in WWE history, and WWE has made it a point to give this match strong visibility despite the competition on a stacked card. While the names of Cena, Punk, and Reigns continue to hover over WrestleMania season, WWE is clearly committed to spotlighting the next generation of main event talent—and this match is central to that vision.
Gunther Reflects on WrestleMania 41 Title Match with Jey Uso
