Returning to WWE Raw after retiring John Cena, GUNTHER showed no remorse as he boasted about the submission win.
With a few potential clues already given as to who GUNTHER may end up facing at WrestleMania 42, it could be that “The Ring General” will take down another legend in Las Vegas.
Here are six potential WWE WrestleMania 42 opponents for GUNTHER after he retired John Cena.
6. AJ Styles
With speculation that AJ Styles may be looking to wind down his in-ring career in the coming months, Las Vegas could be the perfect place to do it.
Notably having a face-to-face in the parking lot after GUNTHER addressed the crowd on the first WWE Raw after retiring Cena — that face off could be the seeds planted for a future battle.
While the pair could engage in an off-and-on feud leading up to WrestleMania 42, a final showdown in Las Vegas could prove historic.
Able to put on a legendary retirement match on the “Grandest Stage of Them All”, a showdown with GUNTHER at WrestleMania 42 could be an amazing swan song for AJ Styles.
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5. Ilja Dragunov
One possible foe for GUNTHER at WrestleMania 42 could be a familiar face from the past who is in an elite group.
With intriguing history between the pair, it could be that Ilja Dragunov is the most equipped member of the WWE roster to put a stop to GUNTHER’s reign of terror.
Having been the one to end his historic NXT UK Title reign at NXT TakeOver 36 and by submission, it would seem Dragunov could have GUNTHER’s number.
With only six WWE stars ever to have claimed a victory over GUNTHER, it could be Ilja Draugnov could do it again at WrestleMania 42.
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4. Chris Jericho
A potentially compelling rival for GUNTHER in early 2026 could be the returning legend, Chris Jericho.
Under the threat of seeming as though he could be retired by GUNTHER at WrestleMania 42 — only a few months after returning to WWE, there could be an incredible reality bending storyline that ensues.
Threatening to end Jericho’s farewell tour before it even really got underway, Jericho could capture a big victory albeit perhaps via technicality.
With GUNTHER certainly not lacking any enemies, there could be an interference that benefits the returning hero to escape the clutches of GUNTHER’s grim reaper.
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3. CM Punk
Another one of the short list of WWE stars that has beaten GUNTHER during his time in the company is CM Punk.
Besting GUNTHER for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2025, the loss was overshadowed by the ensuing events.
With Seth Rollins making a shock return from a faux injury to strike, executing his Money in the Bank contract for a title shot and immediately taking CM Punk’s newly won championship from him — perhaps GUNTHER is still looking to run it back.
With Punk possibly still holding on to a title by the time WWE rolls into Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42 — there could be a big opportunity to make a memorable moment.
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2. Bronson Reed
One potential foe for GUNTHER at WrestleMania 42 might be an equally dastardly heel in Bronson Reed.
While it could be that Bron Breakker is otherwise occupied for WrestleMania 42 — potentially having a major match of his own in Las Vegas — maybe The Vision is still headed for a showdown with GUNTHER.
Definitely able to have an intense rivalry, the duo could have a highly physical match-up for the ages.
Showcasing the two heavy hitters in a knock down, drag out fight could be a great deal of fun albeit not necessarily the typical babyface versus heel battle.
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1. R-Truth
An outside bet for a big match against GUNTHER at WrestleMania 42 for a retirement match could be another legend in R-Truth.
Potentially poised to end up in more of a memorable WWE moment rather than technical wrestling battle, GUNTHER could end up ending another historic career in Las Vegas.
Already setting the stage for the showdown backstage after GUNTHER gloated on the WWE Raw after John Cena’s retirement, Truth made his feelings about The Ring General clear by calling him trash.
Able to continue to build his legacy through a strong victory, the departure of R-Truth would dovetail nicely with the retirement of John Cena with GUNTHER being able to claim to have sent both into the sunset.
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