Jey Uso made a strong impact as a singles competitor during the first half of 2025, notably rising to prominence by challenging the dominant Gunther. Their rivalry culminated in a high-profile match at WrestleMania 41, where Jey achieved the shocking feat of making Gunther submit, marking his inaugural World Heavyweight Championship reign. Despite his success and popularity as a babyface champion — a rare feat in WWE — Jey lost the title back to Gunther on the June 9 episode of RAW. Since then, he has struggled to find a clear direction within the company.
Following his title loss, Jey attempted to regain momentum by participating in the King of the Ring Tournament. However, he was eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual winner Cody Rhodes, who earned a shot at John Cena. This setback left Jey without a defined storyline, raising questions about his future role in WWE.
Expert Opinion Highlights Need for a New Role and Rivalry
Wrestling analyst Sam Roberts of the NotSam Wrestling podcast recently weighed in on Jey Uso’s uncertain path. He emphasized that the well-known feud with Gunther is definitively over and that Jey must reinvent himself with a fresh purpose and a new adversary. Roberts speculated that this new direction could emerge soon, possibly by the time of SummerSlam.
“I think Jey might need to reestablish himself because it’s been made very clear that Jey and Gunther is done. Jey said from the beginning that Gunther and I, as far as he’s concerned, are 1:1. But I do think it’s time for Jey to find a new purpose and a new specific opponent. Maybe that’s around the corner, maybe that’s for SummerSlam, I don’t know. [1:08:18 onwards]” —Sam Roberts, Wrestling Podcaster
Potential Involvement in MFT Conflict Appears Unlikely
On the July 4 episode of SmackDown, Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu suffered a beating from Solo Sikoa’s faction, the MFT. Speculation arose about whether Jey Uso might join the fray alongside Jimmy and Fatu. However, Sam Roberts expressed doubt on this possibility, indicating that Jey’s current storylines on RAW do not intersect with the ongoing MFT and Solo Sikoa narrative.
“I don’t think that Jey Uso gets involved in this. I don’t see what it has to do with Jey Uso to tell you the truth other than the fact that his one brother Jimmy is on Jacob Fatu’s side and his other brother, Solo, is the one fighting them. He’s related to them but based on the story that he’s telling on RAW, I don’t see what that story has to do with Solo’s family right now.” —Sam Roberts, Wrestling Podcaster
The absence of fresh storylines for Jey Uso is surprising given his recent achievements. Without new angles, WWE risks alienating his fanbase and diminishing his standing within the roster.
Other Noteworthy WWE Developments
Meanwhile, several other WWE stories are attracting attention. Natalya recently made a significant statement regarding her career during a period away from in-ring competition. WWE’s Evolution 2 event is set to return in 2025, yet it faces the challenge of possibly breaking a six-year streak of underwhelming reception.
Among the roster, one WWE Hall of Famer revealed that they have not been contacted about participating in Evolution. Additionally, WWE’s ongoing relationship with Saudi Arabia, rooted in a decade-long partnership established in 2018, continues to influence scheduling decisions, including the 2026 Survivor Series.
Rumors swirl around Britt Baker’s status amid speculation that she aims to leave AEW to join WWE. At the same time, concerns mount over Karrion Kross’s contract negotiations, with WWE reportedly limiting his leverage ahead of his deal’s expiration.
Insiders also suggest a popular WWE star may soon undergo a surprise heel turn, while a recent SmackDown match attracted harsh criticism for failing to engage the audience effectively.
Looking Ahead: Jey Uso’s Future and WWE’s Handling of Talent Stories
The uncertainty surrounding Jey Uso’s WWE future underscores a broader challenge the company faces in managing talent trajectories after high-profile rivalries conclude. With his proven ability to captivate the WWE Universe as a babyface champion, finding a compelling new role for Jey is critical to maintaining his momentum and relevance.
If WWE successfully redevelops Jey’s character and pairs him with fresh opponents, the upcoming months could mark a renewal of his career. Conversely, failure to secure meaningful storylines risks sidelining a talented performer who has already demonstrated his value within the promotion.
As SummerSlam approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if WWE can provide Jey Uso with the storyline and purpose he needs to return to prominence.
