Triple H considers World Champion's absence from Royal Rumble

WWE’s creative team weighs possibility of World Heavyweight Champion Gunther missing 2025 Royal Rumble event due to prior commitment.

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WWE’s creative direction under Triple H may exclude World Heavyweight Champion Gunther from the 2025 Royal Rumble card. The decision stems from scheduling considerations related to his upcoming title defense.

Gunther is set to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 25. With this high-stakes match occurring just days before Royal Rumble, WWE’s creative team is evaluating the champion’s role at the premium live event.

As the current World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther’s participation would be limited to title defenses, as he is ineligible for the traditional Royal Rumble match. The proximity of his championship defense against Uso could lead to his absence from the event entirely.

Triple H, serving as Chief Content Officer, aims to craft a compelling Royal Rumble card that meets fan expectations, even if one of the company’s premier champions does not appear. The decision reflects WWE’s strategy of managing talent exposure while maintaining event quality.