-- Yesterday, Sports Illustrated posted an article indicating the direction WWE was headed for as far as WrestleMania 40 matches were concerned, outlining the involvement for stars such as Roman Reigns, The Rock, Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk and Gunther. The report was met with a lot of raised eyebrows considering over two months away and especially since Royal Rumble hasn't even taken place yet. Sports Illustrated has since backed down from their story, citing misplaced sources.
-- Fightfulselect.com added that sources within WWE saw the above report and noted that what was described as "news to them" as Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk was still the working plan as of last weekend as Rollins is expected to be okay for WrestleMania despite his knee injury. Furthermore, Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk was not planned for WrestleMania but was "absolutely" a match that was under consideration at any given time. Overall, sources would not confirm or deny any parts of the SI story but noted that story is evolving ahead of the Rumble.
-- The other aspects of the SI story that were met with confusion was Gunther winning the Royal Rumble and Damian Priest having tocash in the briefcase by WrestleMania. In Gunther's case, while WWE has long considered him as a bonafide superstar, there was confusion on the report claiming that he was already booked to win the match. For Priest, there is no stipulation that he needs to cash in his briefcase by WrestleMania.
