Many In WWE Were Left Befuddled By SI Report On Rumble /Mania (Patreon)

There are many rumors about the Royal Rumble, including some major ones that emerged this week.

Per Sports Illustrated, there was word that Gunther was to win the WWE Royal Rumble, and claimed that he was slated to unseat Seth Rollins for the world title at WrestleMania. In addition, it was stated that Cody Rhodes was not slated for the main event of WrestleMania and wouldn't be "finishing his story."

Those close to several sources mentioned in the article said that the adjustment would be "news to them." Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk was the active plan at least as of last weekend, and Rollins was hopeful to be good to go for WrestleMania despite his MCL and meniscus tears. Despite the face to face promo, as of Monday, Punk vs. Rhodes was not planned for WrestleMania, at least as relayed to them, but was absolutely a match that was in consideration "at any given time". Another said that as far as the original plans for Rhodes and WrestleMania, it's been a taxing month regarding all of the rumors.

WWE officials would not confirm or deny any elements of the Sports Illustrated story either on the record or on background, as one said it would defeat the purpose of anything playing out on their weekly TV shows. They also said they expected that some of the story would be amended ahead of the Royal Rumble.

The story actually shifted Gunther into the top of the Royal Rumble betting odds. WWE sources spoke to Fightful that said that they've long seen Gunther as a top talent, but were just befuddled by the detailed plans involving top angles and specific claimed results. Those we spoke to in WWE spoke highly of SI and the author, but said they were confused by elements of the story. They cited the implication that Damian Priest would need to cash in his briefcase by WrestleMania, which is not the case. 

Those that we spoke to said that even if that was the planned creative, there's a great chance it could and would be altered due to the story. 

Fightful has not learned specific plans as to who is slated to win the Royal Rumble, or WrestleMania headliner plans.

UPDATE: Since we published this, SI has recanted their story