WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray has weighed in on the brewing rivalry between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and “The Ring General” GUNTHER, urging WWE to embrace simplicity and classic storytelling.
Ray’s Vision for the Feud
On Busted Open Radio, Ray explained: “When I think of Cody and GUNTHER, I’m excited for the simplicity and that old school feel. Old school rules, new school tools. Let’s use that style of heat and babyface for these two guys, because they’re exact opposites — love and hate, black hat and white hat.”
Ray stressed that WWE should avoid its notorious “50‑50 booking.” Instead, he wants GUNTHER to dominate Rhodes week after week, making him a “bloody mess” and building pure heat until their eventual showdown.
GUNTHER’s Current Edge
So far, GUNTHER has the upper hand, having made Rhodes pass out to his sleeper hold twice on SmackDown. He even raised Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship belt, signaling his intent to take it.
Cena Connection
Ray also suggested GUNTHER lean into his history with John Cena, who Rhodes idolized. GUNTHER retired Cena last December, and Ray believes reminding Rhodes of that moment could add emotional weight to the feud: “Your idol is gone because of me. What do you think I’ll do to you?”
The Bigger Picture
Rhodes and GUNTHER first clashed in the 2023 Royal Rumble, with Rhodes later defeating him at Crown Jewel 2024. Now, with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line, Bully Ray’s vision calls for a brutal, old‑school build that could elevate both men’s legacies.
Final Thought
Bully Ray’s take is clear: Cody vs. GUNTHER shouldn’t be about trading wins. It should be about heat, dominance, and storytelling that feels both classic and fresh — setting the stage for one of WWE’s most compelling rivalries in 2026.