Early WrestleMania 43 Plans Include CM Punk vs Cody Rhodes, Backstage Questions Over Gunther and Ripley — Reports
On October 16, 2026, online reports outlined early creative discussions for WrestleMania 43 in April 2027 that included a potential CM Punk vs Cody Rhodes main-event and additional backstage updates involving Roman Reigns, Gunther and Rhea Ripley.
Fans reacted strongly to the outcomes of Money in the Bank 2026, and several storylines are beginning to form ahead of upcoming premium live events; among those, the WrestleMania 43 build has already surfaced in early planning conversations as a focal point for WWE’s creative team.
WrestleVotes Radio reported that initial proposals for WrestleMania 43 feature a rematch pitting CM Punk against Cody Rhodes, with the contest being considered for a main-event slot. Punk beat Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026 to retain the Undisputed Championship, and the suggested WrestleMania scenario would provide Rhodes another opportunity on the company’s biggest stage, though no match has been confirmed and WWE has not announced the main events for either night.
Roman Reigns discussed WWE’s live-event approach during an appearance on Club Shay Shay, saying the current business model limits his availability for non-televised shows because deals with TV channels involve substantial sums. The comments came amid an increase in WWE’s live-event activity during 2026 after earlier reductions in non-televised shows; Reigns remains used primarily on major television episodes and premium live events, and there is no verified evidence he is seeking to alter his contracted schedule.
Sources cited by WrestleVotes Radio say there is backstage frustration and confusion about how Gunther has been presented since his move to SmackDown, with questions inside creative about the direction for a performer who had built momentum through a lengthy Intercontinental Title reign and a high-profile victory over John Cena. Reports add there have been no indications that WWE plans to change his gimmick or that Gunther has requested one.
WrestleVotes Radio, as quoted by Fightful Select, reported that Rhea Ripley’s involvement in WrestleMania 43 would depend on her recovery from a torn meniscus; Ripley underwent surgery and has missed television while rehabbing, and WWE reportedly intends to make her role on the women’s side meaningful only if she is fit enough. The same reporting indicates Ripley would attend another premium live event before WrestleMania 43, but it is not clear whether she will compete and no opponent has been confirmed.
As of October 16 there is no confirmed date or venue for a WrestleMania 43 pre-event, while Crown Jewel 2026 is scheduled to take place in Riyadh on November 7; WWE’s ongoing planning for WrestleMania 43 and Ripley’s recovery status remain key variables for the card.