As one of WWE's most popular stars, Jey Uso has all the momentum in the world right now. Coming off his 2025 Royal Rumble victory, he's poised to step into the biggest spotlight of his career when he goes for the big one at WrestleMania in April. On this week's episode of RAW on Netflix, Jey decided which of the promotion's two major titleholders he would challenge when the Show of Shows heads to Vegas. Or perhaps, that decision was made for him, particularly when he was attacked by the World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther. After being a thorn in the big man's side for months, Jey will look to seal the deal and ascend to the throne.
Uso, who rose to fame as part of possibly the greatest WWE tag team ever alongside his brother Jey, was a surprise choice to be in this position. Many critics thought the company dropped the ball by not choosing a bigger, 'household' name to fill the challenger's spot. However, based on fan reaction, along with the pure energy that he brings to the arena every night, Jey Uso is the right man for the job. It's his destiny to battle the dastardly Gunther at WrestleMania.
Jey Uso Was the Perfect Choice for Winning the Rumble
The Victory was a Huge Step Forward for the Veteran
While Jey Uso was considered an upset winner of the Royal Rumble (and some fans even criticized the move), it was actually a stroke of genius. As someone who has spent the majority of his career as a tag team wrestler, Jey hasn't quite shaken the "tag team specialist" label that has been placed on him by some fans and critics. While he already had a singles reign as the Intercontinental Champion, the WWE Universe's perception of him didn't move the needle much initially. His resume was built on 10 tag team title wins alongside Jimmy, instead.
However, Jey's character has evolved so much during the Bloodline angle that he has become a standout performer all on his own. Still, he needed something that proved to the audience that he was ready to leap into the biggest spotlight in the wrestling world. In the meantime, none of the other names at the top of the card needed to win to be elevated to the next level: they were already there. Cena, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and Kevin Owens have already reached the pinnacle of pro wrestling success. Most of all, they all had built-in storylines already, heading into the PLE.
Jey Uso needed the victory to break out of that tag team wrestler mold and tell his own story. His win, his biggest career moment thus far, and what it possibly signifies for his future were laid out for the world to see. He even received an endorsement from the man he eliminated - the legendary John Cena - after securing the win.
The WWE Universe Has Rarely Shown So Much Support
'Main Event' Jey Uso is One of the Promotion's Most Beloved Performers
Any fan who has seen this progression take place can also appreciate the incredible amount of love that Jey Uso has received from the WWE Universe. The reaction he receives is one of the more unique ones that we see on our televisions today. The up and down arms, with the people yelling 'YEET!' while Jey makes his entrance from the crowd, make Uso a believable babyface. They validate him as a legitimate superstar and someone who could be a franchise player.
After witnessing this, it's hard to imagine just how explosive an eruption will occur when his music plays at WrestleMania. Jey has been portrayed as a never-say-die underdog, a fighter who valiantly comes back, no matter what his opponent throws his way. The fans have made that connection with him, almost living vicariously through his victories.
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Jey Uso's Royal Rumble Victory Just Broke an Unfortunate WWE Tradition
Jey Uso has won the Royal Rumble and is going to WrestleMania in the biggest upset in Rumble history, breaking a decades long tradition in the WWE.
Perhaps it's fitting that WWE took a gamble on this shooting star, considering WrestleMania is taking place in Las Vegas this year. While Uso may be considered a long shot to win, the fans will definitely feel like they've hit an emotional jackpot if they get to see him lift the World Heavyweight Title in the end.
Conquering Gunther Will Make for the Perfect WrestleMania Moment
The Ring General has been Booked as being Nearly Unstoppable
Unfortunately for Uso, the dealer in this game will be the seemingly unbeatable Gunther. The 37-year-old Austrian wrecking machine has chopped down nearly every opponent he's faced for years now. He dominated the WWE UK Championship, before coming to the United States and dominating the NXT title there. He's the longest reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion of all time, and he holds the record for the most time accrued in a Royal Rumble match (set in 2024).
Based on his size, power, and resume, Gunther will be playing with house money when the two meet up in Sin City. Still, the incredible run that Uso is on has fans believing that he might have an ace up his sleeve. He's built his reputation as a 'comeback kid', of sorts. So, while he will definitively be playing the role of the underdog at WrestleMania, it's not impossible to see him win. Jey has played this hand before, and he knows he's one superkick away from a spot in history.
In Gunther, he has the perfect opponent at the perfect time. It's a bit of a David vs. Goliath scenario, but in this case, the smaller man has the most momentum behind him. And while Uso's Rumble win seemingly came out of nowhere, it left a population of WWE fans hoping - almost expecting - the rising star to pull off the upset.
Whether this ends up being Jey's crowning moment remains to be seen. We'll all find out in a couple of months if this is truly an ascension or just another angle. But if you put it to a vote today, and you asked the WWE Universe if they want to see the gold around Jey Uso's waist, the answer would be a resounding, YEET.
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