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4 Potential Opponents for Gunther at WrestleMania 42

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Shiraz Aslam | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 8:34 AM ET

“The Career Killer,” Gunther, is living up to his moniker. Within the span of two months, the Ring General ended two of the most illustrious careers in pro wrestling. On December 13, 2025, he made John Cena tap out, and soon after that heartbreaking retirement, Gunther put AJ Styles to sleep at Royal Rumble 2026.

Despite a legendary run of dominance, the former NXT UK Champion currently has no definitive path to Mania. He failed to win the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match, jeopardizing his chances of competing for the World Title at The Show of Shows. Although he could participate in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, Gunther is unlikely to challenge for the top prize.

However, the Road to WrestleMania has only just begun, and Gunther has a long journey ahead. On that note, let’s look at 4 options for the Ring General at The Show of Shows.

#4. Gunther Could Face Dragon Lee

This one doesn’t have the “big fight” feel you’d typically expect from a match involving Gunther, but it makes total sense. The Career Killer retired AJ Styles, former Tag Team partner and close friend of Dragon Lee. Lee also confronted the former World Heavyweight Champion, but he was ruthlessly choked out.

Triple H is likely to treat this as a TV feud, and the luchador is probably just a minor obstacle on the Ring General’s Road to Mania. However, if Hunter sees potential in Lee, this could translate into a WrestleMania feud. On the odd chance that the bout happens at The Grandest Stage of Them All, Gunther is likely to make quick work of his smaller foe.

#3. The Ring General Goes After the Intercontinental Championship

Dominik Mysterio’s second Intercontinental Title run has been underwhelming. Dom has barely defended the belt due to injury, but the champion recently returned to TV. Although WWE could finally commit to the Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio feud, they could also take a detour and have Dom battle Gunther.

Before he began destroying childhoods and ending careers, Gunther was a dominant Intercontinental Champion early on in his main roster run. He restored the prestige of the midcard championship and became the longest-reigning champion. With World Title prospects looking bleak, the Ring General could come after Dom.

Although WWE seldom does heel vs. heel feuds, Gunther vs. Dom could be an intriguing program. It may also prove to be the catalyst for the young Mysterio’s heavily rumored face turn.

#2. Gunther Issues an Open Challenge

When WWE can’t figure out an opponent for a major star, they often turn to surprise opponents and open challenges. Seth “Freakin” Rollins was without an opponent heading into WrestleMania 38, where he ended up facing the returning Cody Rhodes.

More recently, Randy Orton’s Mania match with Kevin Owens was cancelled after KO suffered an untimely injury. The Viper ended up squashing Joe Hendry in a viral moment at The Show of Shows last year. WWE could tease a similar angle for Gunther this year.

The Ring General could head into The Show of Shows without a clear direction and could decide to issue an open challenge in Vegas. As for potential opponents, surprises could range from veterans like Chris Jericho to rising NXT talent like Ricky Saints.

#1. The Greatest Luchador Stands up to The Career Killer

For someone who has made a career out of hurting legends, it makes more sense for Gunther to go after another veteran rather than pursue the World Championship. With Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles already on his list, he has already racked up quite an impressive resume.

However, the Career Killer could break more hearts at WrestleMania if he decides to battle Rey Mysterio, one of the most beloved and respected figures in wrestling history. This doesn’t have to be a retirement match because Rey is likely to have his final match against his son, Dominik Mysterio.

Nonetheless, it would build more heat for the Ring General. The WWE Universe has already seen Cena and Styles fall to Gunther. Their hatred for the Career Killer will only increase if they witness him put the masked legend to sleep.