Gunther made a shocking appearance on SmackDown, as he choked out Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. But for eagle-eyed observers, his presence may not have been as surprising as it seemed.
Earlier in the show, a backstage segment featured Fraxiom and WWE Tag Team Champions R-Truth and Damian Priest. In the background, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis was having a conversation with Paul Heyman. Given the result later on, that moment now feels like the opening move in a larger chess game.
Weeks before WrestleMania 42, Gunther saved Heyman from an attack by Seth Rollins. “The Ring General” later told Heyman that he owed him a favor. At WrestleMania, Gunther beat Rollins with the help of Bron Breakker.
During the “Raw After WrestleMania,” the WWE Hall of Famer had a message for Gunther, saying, “I owe you one. Anytime you’re ready, I’m willing to repay.”
After Heyman was spotted in the background on the same night Gunther attacked Rhodes, it raises the question: Is Gunther ready to collect on Heyman’s debt, and is it at Cody Rhodes’ expense?
With the card for next weekend’s Backlash seemingly set, WWE’s next big event is Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 23 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The show, taking place at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, has yet to announce its official lineup. However, the arena’s website is advertising appearances from Rhodes and Gunther, among others.
