On Monday night’s WWE RAW, Dragon Lee faced Gunther in a singles match that escalated an ongoing rivalry sparked after Gunther retired AJ Styles at Royal Rumble 2026. During the contest, Gunther defeated Lee and forcibly removed his mask, intensifying the Dragon Lee WWE controversy.
A report by Fightful Select revealed that WWE insiders indicated the unmasking was intentional and designed to push the storyline forward. The organization left the footage unedited on social media and confirmed the camera angle capturing the moment was deliberately chosen, suggesting it was part of a larger narrative plan.
Developments in WWE Storylines Surrounding WrestleMania
Earlier this year, Lee and AJ Styles briefly held the World Tag Team Championship before losing the titles to The Usos in December 2025. Recent episodes have seen Jey Uso, initially slated for the Men’s Elimination Chamber match at the Premium Live Event (PLE), attacked on SmackDown, opening the door for Logan Paul to replace him.
During the Chamber match, Seth Rollins was unveiled as the masked assailant who struck Logan Paul, allowing Cody Rhodes to eliminate him. Randy Orton ultimately claimed victory to secure a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Drew McIntyre is set to defend his championship against Rhodes later tonight on SmackDown.
Dragon Lee Honors AJ Styles After His WWE Retirement
Following AJ Styles’ retirement, Dragon Lee publicly expressed his admiration and gratitude for the veteran wrestler. Lee acknowledged the lessons learned and the opportunity they had to team up.
“I thank God and life for bringing us together, learned a lot from you. Thank you my brother @ajstylesp1 #PhenomenalDragons,” Lee wrote.
This tribute highlights the personal connection between Lee and Styles as the storyline in WWE continues to evolve.
What the Unmasking Means for Dragon Lee’s Future in WWE
The deliberate removal of Dragon Lee’s mask marks a significant turning point in his WWE narrative. Given the careful planning of footage and storyline integration, this controversy is likely to become a pivotal element in upcoming events. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how WWE leverages this moment to develop Lee’s character and its broader implications heading into WrestleMania.
