A WWE Hall of Famer has publicly criticized Gunther’s vicious assault on Jimmy Uso during the March 31st episode of Monday Night Raw, calling the beatdown “unnecessary” and questioning its role in the WrestleMania storyline.
Gunther’s Brutal Attack on Jimmy Uso
In a non-title match on Raw in London, Jimmy Uso stepped up to challenge Gunther, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, in an attempt to defend his brother Jey Uso’s honor ahead of their scheduled WrestleMania clash. Despite Jimmy’s resilience, Gunther dominated the match, repeatedly stopping pin attempts to inflict more punishment before finally securing the victory.
However, the real brutality came after the bell.
After Jey Uso initially made the save, Gunther returned to the ring and launched a relentless assault. He tied Jey to the ropes and proceeded to batter Jimmy, leaving him busted open and wiping his blood across his own chest in a chilling display. The segment was designed to intensify the feud between Gunther and Jey Uso, but not everyone was pleased with how it played out.
Rikishi’s Strong Reaction: “That Was Just Unnecessary”
WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, the father of The Usos, did not hold back his feelings on his Off The Top podcast. He expressed frustration over Jimmy being used as a sacrificial lamb in Jey’s storyline, arguing that it undermined Jimmy’s credibility.
“I’m sure that Big Jim got a lot of fans out there, brother. But as of right now, we just seen Big Jim basically got his ass handed to him by Gunther. I’m kind of upset about this sht, man. Hell, if I was there, I would have probably bust Gunther’s head open with a crawfish. I mean, that was just unnecessary—let Jey fight his own battle. Big Jim don’t have to come save his brother. I raised some tough men, smart men. I’m sure Jey’s gonna figure this sht out. Now I got another son laid up, busted wide open and trying to heal.”
Rikishi’s comments highlight a growing debate among fans: Was this extreme angle necessary to build heat for Jey vs. Gunther, or did it damage Jimmy’s standing as a singles competitor?
Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?
The segment received mixed reactions from the WWE Universe:
- Supporters argue that Gunther’s brutality makes him a more feared champion, and Jimmy’s suffering adds emotional stakes to Jey’s WrestleMania match.
- Critics believe Jimmy was unfairly weakened, reducing his credibility as a future singles star.
Some fans even compared it to old-school Attitude Era angles, where blood and brutality were used to create genuine heat. However, others questioned whether Jimmy’s character needed this kind of beating to further Jey’s storyline.
Jimmy Uso’s Future in WWE
While Jey Uso has thrived as a singles star on Raw, Jimmy has struggled to find the same momentum since The Usos disbanded. Rikishi addressed this on his podcast, expressing confidence that Jimmy will eventually break out:
“I think Big Jim got a good future ahead of him. They dominated the tag team scene, now both boys are venturing off as single competitors. So I think in due time, Jim gonna find himself out there, and when he does, we all going to know what time it is for Big Jim.”
This raises an important question: What’s next for Jimmy Uso?
Possible WWE Booking Directions:
- A Redemption Arc – Jimmy could seek revenge on Gunther, leading to a future singles feud.
- Reuniting with Jey – If the WrestleMania match ends in controversy, The Usos may reform.
- A Heel Turn – Frustrated with being overshadowed, Jimmy could betray Jey.
Gunther’s WrestleMania Momentum
With WrestleMania 40 approaching, Gunther’s ruthless dominance has solidified him as one of WWE’s top heels. His attack on Jimmy Uso was a clear message to Jey: No one is safe.
If Jey Uso can overcome Gunther at WrestleMania, it could be the defining moment of his singles career. But if Gunther retains, his reign of terror will only grow stronger.
Final Thoughts: Was the Angle Too Extreme?
While Rikishi’s criticism reflects a father’s protectiveness, WWE’s decision to go extreme with Gunther’s attack was likely intentional. Blood, brutality, and emotional stakes are classic pro wrestling tactics to make fans invest in a feud.
However, the key will be how Jimmy Uso rebounds. If WWE uses this to elevate him rather than bury him, the angle could be seen as a necessary evil. But if Jimmy is left without a meaningful follow-up, Rikishi’s concerns will be validated.
What do YOU think?
- Was Gunther’s attack on Jimmy Uso justified?
- Should Jimmy get revenge, or was this just a way to build Jey’s story?
- Will Jimmy Uso finally break out as a singles star?
Let us know in the comments!
