3 Key Reasons Jey Uso Lost WWE World Heavyweight Championship
3 Key Reasons Jey Uso Lost WWE World Heavyweight Championship originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Jey Uso no longer holds the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and there are three key reasons for that.
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Throughout the buildup to his title rematch against Gunther, the story with Uso was that he was spreading himself thin. Uso had a lot on his plate, including helping his friend Sami Zayn in his feud with Seth Rollins' faction and teaming with Cody Rhodes to face John Cena and Logan Paul at "Money in the Bank 2025."
Gunther even told Uso in the weeks leading up to their match that he may have the right qualities to be a great person, but it doesn't make for a sustainable champion. Gunther ultimately ended Uso's 51-day reign by choking him out at the conclusion of "WWE Raw."
While some fans may take issue with the fact that Uso didn't get a full two months with the top male prize on the red brand, there are some reasons for WWE's decision to take the title off "Raw's" top babyface.
Jey Uso Will Be Just Fine
"Main Event" Jey Uso cuts an in-ring promo during an episode of "WWE Raw."(via WWE)
Jey Uso's rise to stardom began thanks to his work with The Bloodline story. While Uso was heavily praised for the serious tone of his promos, his popularity and marketability exploded with his "Yeet" catchphrase and his entrances going through the crowd.
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Uso built a strong connection with WWE fans, and it was never linked to him winning a championship. WWE capitalized on the momentum by making Uso the WWE Intercontinental Champion, a reign that lasted just 28 days. Fans didn't sour on Uso then and stuck with him for his WWE World Heavyweight Championship win at "WrestleMania 41."
WWE recently posted a video of several kids crying after Uso lost his title to Gunther. He's still over with the fans; the "Yeet" chants aren't going away. Uso will continue to be a top merchandise seller. Gunther's character needs gold more than Uso because "The Ring General" is most effective when he is a champion. Uso's true value is that you can plug him in anywhere and he'll remain popular.
It's Time for The Usos to Team Again
The Usos make their way out for a tag team match on "WWE Raw."(via WWE)
While Jey Uso has been handling solo business on "Raw," his brother Jimmy Uso has been involved in side stories more than anything. While Jimmy has received plenty of TV time on "SmackDown," he hasn't been involved in marquee feuds that lead to PLE matches. He needs his brother to get back to that level.
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WWE planted the seeds for The Usos and The New Day to renew their rivalry after Jey lost the world title to Gunther. In a video uploaded on WWE's social media pages, WWE World Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods mocked Jey over the loss. Kingston bragged about holding a singles world title longer than Jey could.
All signs point to a tag team title match between The New Day and The Usos, potentially at "SummerSlam 2025." The Usos have long been a top act in WWE, and fans will likely have no issue getting behind the team once again.
Bigger Plans for 'SummerSlam'
Sami Zayn celebrates after qualifying for the 2025 King of the Ring tournament.(via WWE)
For weeks, Sami Zayn has vowed to eventually become a world champion. It's a goal that has eluded him throughout his decorated in-ring career. On WWE TV, Zayn's ability to win a world title has been doubted by the likes of Karrion Kross. It's a similar underdog story that Uso had before ultimately winning the big one.
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Fans have been speculating that Zayn could win the 2025 King of the Ring tournament, which would grant him a WWE World Heavyweight Championship opportunity at "SummerSlam." There is plenty of history between Zayn and Gunther, which would come into play if "The Ring General" remains champion.
WWE can easily get fans emotionally invested in Zayn's attempt to capture his first world championship. The question is, could Zayn's reign be far shorter than Uso's as Seth Rollins' MITB briefcase looms over the "Raw" brand?
Related: WWE Legend Expected to Return During 'Monday Night Raw'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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