According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Jey Uso’s 51-day run as World Heavyweight Champion was never intended to be long-term. WWE reportedly planned well in advance for Uso to win the title at WrestleMania 41, only to drop it back to GUNTHER shortly after.
The move was part of a strategic plan leading into GUNTHER’s upcoming match against Goldberg at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12 in Atlanta, Georgia. With the World Heavyweight Championship now back on GUNTHER, the high-profile clash will serve as a more prestigious retirement match for Goldberg—while also competing directly against AEW’s All In: Texas event the same night.
Despite the brief reign, Jey Uso’s win at WrestleMania helped elevate him as a credible singles main eventer, following his successful tag team run in The Bloodline. While he’s no longer champion, Uso remains one of the most popular stars on the roster and is expected to stay in the title picture moving forward.
