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Latest Update on Gunther's WrestleMania 42 Plans

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Harrison | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 5:59 PM ET

Gunther is set for a significant role at WrestleMania 42, according to a report from Fightful. This news comes after three consecutive episodes of Monday Night Raw where the "Ring General" was absent and barely mentioned.

Originally, Gunther was scheduled to face Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania. While it’s unclear whether WWE intended this to be Mysterio’s final match, the storyline fits Gunther's "Career Killer" gimmick and aligns with Mysterio's stage in life and career.

Gunther’s short-term feud with Dragon Lee was reportedly designed to bridge a storyline between AJ Styles and Mysterio. However, Mysterio suffered an injury on the Raw following the Royal Rumble during a match against Austin Theory, throwing those plans into uncertainty.

Gunther was the last opponent of Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles.Getty Images

Gunther’s Open Challenge at WrestleMania

On the March 27 edition of Busted Open, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared an idea that has become the leading expectation for Gunther’s WrestleMania involvement: an open challenge.

This could be extended on a Raw leading up to WrestleMania or during the show itself, with a stipulation that the losing competitor must retire.

Bully Ray—and many fans—are hoping Rob Van Dam answers the challenge. At 55, Van Dam hasn’t wrestled in WWE since 2014.

A one-off match against Gunther would give Van Dam a memorable send-off while cementing Gunther’s reputation for ending the careers of established legends.

While details of Mysterio’s injury have not been released, it remains possible he could be ready in time for WrestleMania. However, with only three weeks until the event, WWE may be reluctant to close his storied career with such a short build.