• WWE Dropped Babyface Turn Plan For Top Star
WWE’s long-term plans for Gunther shifted more than once in 2025.
The company originally expected Gunther to generate overwhelming negative reaction after defeating John Cena in Cena’s retirement match. While the finish achieved its purpose, the audience response reportedly fell short of what WWE had anticipated.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, WWE had actually explored taking Gunther in the opposite direction earlier. Meltzer reported that a babyface turn was briefly discussed internally before Gunther underwent surgery after his SummerSlam 2025 loss to CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Those discussions were ultimately dropped well before other creative changes took place. Meltzer noted that the idea was shelved prior to Ludwig Kaiser adopting the El Grande Americano role following Chad Gable’s injury.
Gunther defeated R-Truth via submission on this week’s RAW.
• 2 More Wrestlers Getting Added to the El Grande Americano Angle
Plans surrounding Chad Gable’s return are starting to take shape, and the El Grande Americano storyline is expected to expand rather than reset.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, Gable is scheduled to be in Saudi Arabia during Royal Rumble 2026 week, signaling that his return to WWE programming is getting closer.
Despite Gable nearing a comeback, WWE is not planning to drop the El Grande Americano presentation currently being portrayed by Ludwig Kaiser. There are also no immediate plans to remove Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne from their Rayo and Bravo Americano roles.
Instead, discussions have already begun about expanding the angle. Sean Ross Sapp has reported that WWE has talked internally about adding The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) to the storyline once Gable is back in the mix.
At this stage, the direction appears to be growth rather than replacement, with the El Grande Americano angle expected to continue evolving as more performers are brought into the story.
• RAW Star Will Be A Big Part Of WrestleMania 42
Liv Morgan has officially resumed in-ring activity, and her return comes with notable internal expectations.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE decision-makers are discussing pushing Morgan as a “centerpiece of the WWE women’s division” heading into WrestleMania 42 this year. Multiple sources indicated there is interest in positioning her in a prominent role, with some favoring a singles program.
Morgan has already been cleared and has worked matches on WWE’s holiday tour. Liv will face Lyra Valkyria on Monday’s RAW, which will be her first televised match since her return.
Bodyslam also reported that WWE is discussing doing Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan, but the belief is that it is a program intended to be built toward gradually rather than launched immediately.
