Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship run ended abruptly on RAW, as Gunther defeated him, sparking confusion and debate among fans. The move has drawn speculation about WWE management, especially Triple H, making the change due to potential fan dissatisfaction and expected story developments involving high-profile contenders like Goldberg.
Why WWE Replaced Jey Uso With Gunther as Champion
Jey Uso loses World Heavyweight Championship to Gunther after holding the title for just under two months, a decision that caught many by surprise since he remained a popular figure with fans. Although The Yeet Master enjoyed strong reactions, some questioned the timing, considering RAW’s roster boasts several established stars. After weeks of discussion on social media and wrestling forums, Triple H decided to switch the championship, with Gunther defeating Jey Uso decisively to reclaim the title.
This abrupt change is reportedly linked not only to creative strategy but also to WWE’s broader plans. Goldberg’s rumored return to WWE reportedly factored into the decision, with company plans positioning him as Gunther’s challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship. Wrestling analyst Jim Cornette addressed this scenario on his Drive-Thru podcast, giving insight into the mindset behind the booking.
“Gunther needs the belt more than Jey Uso does because Gunther needs to keep his heat, Gunther needs to be a monster that needs to be slayed and it’s rare when it happens. Whereas Jey now has had it long enough, as I said, that it wasn’t a fluke but you avoid some blowback because at some point, everybody likes the music, everybody likes the entrance, everybody likes Jey and his promos and the way he sounds and feels, heartfelt. But sooner or later they are going to start looking at him and go, ‘Wait, Jey’s the World Champion with this roster? With all of these guys?” —Jim Cornette, Wrestling Analyst
Cornette’s comments highlight how Gunther’s dominant persona as a champion better fits WWE’s current narrative goals, while the company sought to prevent long-term backlash from fans possibly questioning the credibility of Jey Uso’s title reign against RAW’s competitive field.
Rikishi Fatu Criticizes WWE’s Decision
The fallout from this title switch extended beyond fans and analysts to Jey Uso’s own family. WWE legend Rikishi Fatu, speaking on his own podcast, openly criticized WWE’s decision to end his son’s title run so quickly. He drew comparisons to other top-tier stars, suggesting that WWE would not have acted as swiftly if it had been someone like Randy Orton or John Cena in Jey Uso’s position.
“What is it against my boy, that you just feel like… Would you have done that to Randy Orton if you threw the belt on Randy for a while? Would you have done that to John Cena? I mean, let’s talk about it. Because last I know, at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, he had the whole arena yeet.” —Rikishi Fatu, WWE Legend
This sharp criticism from Rikishi fueled more debate around WWE’s decision process, with comparisons being drawn to how other main event stars are treated versus Jey Uso. His comments also referenced Jey’s significant fan popularity during major events, especially WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, emphasizing a sense of unfairness felt by some in the wrestling community.
What’s Next for Jey Uso After Losing the Championship
As the dust settles around this championship change, attention has turned to how WWE will handle Jey Uso’s character going forward. Reports now suggest that the company might be planning a major reunion storyline featuring Jey and his brother Jimmy Uso. If accurate, this angle could redirect Jey’s momentum and maintain his relevance among top RAW contenders, even without the belt.
Triple H’s decision to end Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship reign and crown Gunther as champion appears tied to a mix of narrative priorities, internal perceptions about roster depth, and anticipation of fan reactions. The potential return of Goldberg adds further intrigue, with Gunther now set up as the centerpiece of a major championship feud. Fans and insiders alike continue to debate whether WWE made the right decision and whether it might have lasting effects on both Jey Uso’s career and the RAW main event scene.
