Backstage Update On Future Plans for Roman Reigns & Gunther After WrestleMania 42

Roman Reigns vs. Gunther appears to be the next big match WWE is planning following WrestleMania 42, according to Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez, who discussed the potential match on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio.

They noted that the plan within WWE, as recently as earlier this week, was to have Roman Reigns defeat CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 Sunday tonight, and then go on to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther. They added that the match would likely be saved for SummerSlam, not take place next month at Backlash.

They noted that WWE views the match as a “big time” match.

Reigns saw his last World Championship reign end back at WrestleMania 40 in a loss to Cody Rhodes. Gunther defeated Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42 Saturday. He’s on a major run, having retired both John Cena and AJ Styles. He last lost a singles match to CM Punk at SummerSlam 2025.