Key Takeaways
- WWE’s recent “swerves” often feel forced and lack lasting impact, leaving top talents like Cody Rhodes and Gunther without clear direction.
- Both Rhodes and Gunther have experienced high‑profile moments (Cena’s retirement, WrestleMania main events) but have since been stuck in repetitive, under‑utilized storylines.
- A Gunther victory over Rhodes at Clash in Italy could serve as a course‑correction, re‑establishing Gunther as a dominant champion and returning Rhodes to his most effective “chase” role.
- Proper booking that emphasizes long‑term storytelling—rather than shock‑value swerves—would benefit up‑and‑comers such as Je’Von Evans, Bron Breakker, and Oba Femi, while allowing veterans to regain credibility.
- The upcoming match is an opportunity for WWE to demonstrate it can rebuild narratives without relying on outside interference or last‑minute card shuffles.
WWE has a habit of inserting swerves for the sake of surprise, and the result frequently feels inauthentic. When a twist is added merely to shock the audience, it often backs the creative team into a corner where the subsequent storyline struggles to find a logical path forward. This pattern has been especially evident in the handling of two of the promotion’s biggest names: Cody Rhodes and Gunther.
Both wrestlers arrived at a crossroads after delivering moments that should have catapulted them to lasting main‑event status. Gunther’s retirement of John Cena was a career‑defining highlight, yet the weeks that followed have seen him shuffled into bouts with opponents like L.A. Knight, Sami Zayn, and eventually a “career‑threatening” match against AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble. Those contests, while not devoid of merit, do not capitalize on the aura Gunther earned from ending Cena’s run. Even his WrestleMania appearance was an afterthought—added only when injuries opened a slot for Seth Rollins—underscoring how rudderless his booking has become.
Cody Rhodes’ trajectory mirrors this lack of direction. His multi‑year pursuit of the Undisputed WWE Championship was littered with outside interference, questionable decisions, and a chaotic blend of celebrity cameos that diluted the emotional payoff. When he finally captured the title, the reign settled into a predictable weekly‑show champion rhythm. The storyline culminated in an unexpected loss to Drew McIntyre on SmackDown, precipitated once again by outside interference. Rhodes then scrambled to regain the belt before WrestleMania, only to endure a widely criticized main‑event night one against Randy Orton that featured Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll, followed by a post‑match assault from Orton that left the victor looking weak.
The upcoming Clash in Italy match between Rhodes and Gunther could easily be relegated to an opening bout or a second‑to‑last‑position “cool‑down” contest, reflecting the current ambiguity surrounding both performers. Rather than accepting this as inevitable, the bout presents a genuine chance to reset their narratives. A Gunther victory would re‑establish him as a formidable top‑title holder—a final‑boss figure capable of taking on all challengers. This positioning would not only honor the legacy of his Cena retirement but also provide a credible platform for emerging talents such as Je’Von Evans, Bron Breakker, and Oba Femi to test themselves against a proven dominant force.
For Cody Rhodes, a loss in this context could be beneficial if it returns him to the role he performs best in: the underdog chasing a championship. Years of audience reaction have shown that Rhodes thrives when he is the hungry pursuer rather than the complacent champion. A defeat at the hands of a resurgent Gunther could rekindle that chase dynamic, setting the stage for a future redemption arc that feels earned rather than contrived.
Importantly, this course correction does not require reliance on shock‑value swerves or last‑minute card adjustments. It calls for WWE to step out of its comfort zone, allow Rhodes to occupy a headliner role that aligns with his strengths, and then follow up with booking that thinks ahead—building toward meaningful summer‑and‑fall payoffs rather than filling weeks with random interferences. If executed well, the Gunther‑Rhodes encounter could signal a shift back to purposeful storytelling, proving to skeptics that the company can regain its narrative footing without resorting to the tired trope of outside meddling. The payoff would be a revitalized main‑event scene, a stronger mid‑card, and a clearer path for both established stars and the next generation to shine.