WWE’s social media team created uncertainty regarding World Heavyweight Champion Gunther’s Royal Rumble status through an Instagram post documenting his arrival at Lucas Oil Stadium. The post’s caption read:
Will @gunther_wwe be the last man standing in TONIGHT’S Men’s #RoyalRumble Match? 🤔
This caption appears inconsistent with current storylines, as Gunther holds the World Heavyweight Championship and has not been officially announced as a participant in the 30-man match.
While world champions have previously entered Royal Rumble matches, such as Brock Lesnar in 2020 and Charlotte Flair in 2022, no formal announcement has been made regarding Gunther’s participation in tonight’s premium live event.