Below are a couple of top WWE news stories of the day, featuring SmackDown and Gunther.
• WWE made last-minute changes to the opening segment of last night’s SmackDown, initially planned to feature a promo from Kevin Owens, with Drew McIntyre and WWE Champion Cody Rhodes joining in.
Instead, Rhodes previewed his Royal Rumble Ladder Match against Owens before being interrupted by McIntyre, who warned him about making a major career mistake and offered help. Rhodes declined, challenging McIntyre to a match, which he refused. Owens then blindsided Rhodes, leading to a brawl.
PWInsider reported creative discussions went back and forth before settling on the aired version, with earlier plans considering Jey Uso’s involvement (who is set to face Drew McIntyre on RAW’s Netflix premiere).
Shawn Daivari produced the segment.
WATCH: Stephanie Vaquer Shows Her Buns:
• There have been reports about WWE discussing the idea of Gunther defending the World Heavyweight Championship against legends like John Cena or Goldberg at WrestleMania 41.
However, WWE has shifted into another direction for The Ring General.
According to WrestlePurists, Gunther vs. Seth Rollins for the World Title is the current plan for WrestleMania 41.
Rollins was the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion (current version of the title) and lost the title to Drew McIntyre at last year’s WrestleMania.
Seth is scheduled to face CM Punk on RAW’s Netflix premiere on January 6.
