Gunther delivered on his promise by ending AJ Styles’ WWE career at Saturday’s Royal Rumble. The Ring General has now added The Phenomenal One to his growing list of iconic wrestlers forced into retirement.
The audience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was left in stunned silence as Styles failed to keep his arm up and eventually passed out in Gunther’s sleeper hold. This emotional scene only strengthened Gunther’s reputation as a “career killer.”
Gunther had previously retired John Cena at the December WWE Saturday Night main event, a controversial finish where Cena was made to submit. This career-ending storyline kicked off back in July when Mr. Goldberg put Gunther out cold with a sleeper hold, suggesting WWE might be crafting a storyline akin to Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania streak.
Now, after his victory over Styles, speculation surrounds who Gunther might target next. Brock Lesnar is a clear candidate, with rumors suggesting this year could mark his final run. Cena hinted that Lesnar plans to retire at SummerSlam in August, which will take place in Lesnar’s hometown of Minneapolis and might be the perfect setting for Gunther to claim another retirement.
Looking ahead to the end of 2026, Rey Mysterio could also join Gunther’s list, as his current WWE contract expires that year. Mysterio, who has taken a leadership role in AAA Lucha Libre Worldwide since WWE’s acquisition, has battled several injuries recently. While a retirement match with his son Dominik is possible, a showdown with Gunther remains an intriguing prospect.
The WWE roster contains many veterans who could eventually fall victim to Gunther’s finishing move. Despite their declarations against retirement, this angle could be a long-term saga much like Undertaker’s streak.
Sheamus, at 47, remains active with a contract through 2029. Although he recently suffered a shoulder injury, he’s determined to keep wrestling for as long as possible. Meanwhile, Gunther has already tangled with CM Punk, losing the World Heavyweight Championship to him last SummerSlam. Punk, 47, has dismissed any talk of retirement despite Cena’s recent exit.
Shinsuke Nakamura, 45, is another possible candidate. Though he intends to continue wrestling, retirement could be an option down the road.
Perhaps the most notable name beside Cena is Randy Orton. Since returning part-time in November 2023, the 45-year-old Orton has expressed a desire to keep going into his 50s, making him a likely future target for Gunther’s storyline. The Miz, also 45, has appeared less frequently over the last year but seems content balancing wrestling with family life.
Fan Take: Gunther’s growing “career killer” persona adds a compelling layer of intensity and stakes to WWE programming, creating must-watch moments for fans who crave high drama. This storyline not only honors wrestling legends but also positions Gunther as a dominant force, potentially shaping WWE’s future by passing the torch through unforgettable retirements.
