WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio was originally scheduled to face "The Ring General" GUNTHER at this weekend's WrestleMania 42 premium live event (PLE). However, Mysterio suffered fractures in both ribs during a match against Austin Theory on the Royal Rumble go-home episode of Monday Night RAW. Although he participated in the Men's Royal Rumble Match, Mysterio had to be sidelined afterward.
A week after the initial booking of GUNTHER vs. Seth Rollins for WrestleMania 42, Mysterio was added to the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match. This change followed GUNTHER's attack on Rollins. After retiring AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble earlier this year, GUNTHER entered a feud with Dragon Lee, and it was anticipated that this rivalry would lead to a match between GUNTHER and Mysterio in Las Vegas.
In a recent edition of Fightful Select Answers Q&A, a fan inquired about Mysterio's recovery timeline and whether his injury influenced the cancellation of his rumored match against GUNTHER at WrestleMania 42.
Sean Sapp mentioned that the original plan was for Seth Rollins to face Bron Breakker and for GUNTHER to compete against Rey Mysterio. However, due to Mysterio's injury and GUNTHER's unmasking of Lee, the creative team reportedly struggled to find a direction for GUNTHER, resulting in him being off TV for several weeks. Sapp also noted that claims suggested the plan for GUNTHER to face Rollins had been in place since the Elimination Chamber event at the end of February.
