Jey Uso wasn’t originally pitched to win this year’s WWE Royal Rumble until it was suggested by wrestling legend, Michael Hayes.
Jey Uso and John Cena were the final two competitors left in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match. In a shocking twist of events, The Yeet Master eliminated The Cenation Leader to become this year’s winner. The decision received mixed reactions, as many wanted to see The Franchise Player win his final ‘Rumble, while others also wanted to see CM Punk win his first.
Yet, it was Jey Uso who won and went on to battle Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41 and ended up winning the gold. Meanwhile, John Cena turned heel at Elimination Chamber and defeated Cody Rhodes to win a record-breaking 17th World Title. Meanwhile, CM Punk lost in a blockbuster triple threat against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in the main event of Night 1.
As it turns out, only The Last Real Champion and The Best in the World were part of the initial discussions, but the Vice President of Creative and Booking, Michael Hayes, had other plans.
WWE’s Original Royal Rumble 2025 Pick Wasn’t Jey Uso
On WWE: Unreal, the newest Netflix series, where the Stamford-based promotion showcases what goes on behind the scenes, the discussion regarding who should be the winner of the Men’s Royal Rumble was tackled. With names like Triple H and Paul Heyman also present.
Those in the writer’s room pitched John Cena and CM Punk to win, with the WWE WrestleMania 41 main events being Cena and Cody Rhodes, or Punk and Gunther. However, Michael Hayes pitched Uso’s name, later explaining that when somebody gets over like how he had, plans have to be altered:
I think in the case of Jey Uso, when somebody catches fire, they just catch fire. And sometimes you have to alternate all your plans. Who do we have on our roster that’s hot, that hopefully is maybe new and fresh? And all of a sudden, Jey Uso’s checking all those boxes. And then you have to start worrying and wondering, is that individual up to the task?”
WWE Unreal showed that CM Punk was initially slated to win this year's Royal Rumble and face Gunther in the main event of WrestleMania Night 1 but Michael Hayes offered Jey Uso.
Punk got screwed of the Rumble 💔 pic.twitter.com/OYTMcpXKJL
— Teffo (@Teffo_01) July 29, 2025
Jey Uso dropped the World Heavyweight Title back to Gunther last month on RAW. The Ring General is now set to defend his gold against CM Punk at the upcoming SummerSlam PLE this weekend. Meanwhile, Cena will defend the Undisputed WWE Title against Rhodes in the same event.