
Sat Jan 17 01:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Mysterio Injury Fuels Speculation of Gunther Retirement Match
The Story: Veteran WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio is currently sidelined due to a minor injury, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Mysterio’s absence from the latest episode of Raw in Berlin has sparked speculation about his future and a potential storyline with Intercontinental Champion Gunther. The article highlights Mysterio’s recent activity, including a victory against Austin Theory on December 29, 2025, and his return from a previous groin injury sustained in April 2025.
Key Points:
- Rey Mysterio is currently out of action due to a “minor injury.”
- He last wrestled on December 29, 2025, defeating Austin Theory by DQ.
- Mysterio previously suffered a torn groin in April 2025.
- Gunther has been targeting wrestling legends nearing retirement, including John Cena and AJ Styles.
- Mysterio and CM Punk confronted Gunther on the December 22, 2025, episode of Raw following Gunther’s comments about Cena.
- Speculation suggests Mysterio could be a target for Gunther as a final match opponent.
- Mysterio is expected to participate in the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble Match on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Critical Analysis:
The article plants a seed by suggesting that Rey Mysterio may be one of Gunther’s targets. In December 2025 Mysterio confronted Gunther, so it makes sense that Mysterio would be a target. If Mysterio does participate in the Royal Rumble in late January 2026, this may lead to more confrontations with Gunther.
Key Takeaways:
- Rey Mysterio’s injury has halted a potential feud with The Vision (Austin Theory and Bronson Reed).
- WWE is teasing a storyline where Gunther targets aging legends for career-ending matches.
- Mysterio could be a potential opponent for Gunther in a retirement match scenario.
- Mysterio is expected to return soon and compete in the Royal Rumble.
- The injury might be a plot device to build suspense for a major storyline involving Mysterio and Gunther.
Impact Analysis:
The potential storyline between Rey Mysterio and Gunther has significant implications:
- Elevates Gunther’s Status: A feud with a legend like Mysterio, especially if it leads to a “retirement match,” would solidify Gunther’s position as a top-tier heel in WWE.
- Creates Emotional Investment: A storyline centered on a legend’s potential retirement can create strong emotional investment from fans.
- Generates Mainstream Buzz: A potential Mysterio retirement match would likely garner mainstream media attention.
- Provides a Passing-of-the-Torch Moment: If Mysterio were to lose to Gunther in a retirement match, it would serve as a significant passing-of-the-torch moment, establishing Gunther as the future of WWE.
- Enhances Royal Rumble Hype: If this storyline continues into the Royal Rumble, it will add another layer of intrigue and excitement to the event.