Jey Uso did the unthinkable when he won the 2025 Royal Rumble. For years, he was labeled the sidekick, the tag team guy, the emotional glue of The Bloodline saga — but never “The One.” That changed at the Rumble. Jey walked in with the crowd behind him, riding a wave of momentum built on passion, pain, and perseverance. And when he tossed John Cena — yes, John freaking Cena — over the top rope to win it all, the WWE Universe lost its mind. The moment was iconic. Jey eliminating a living legend to stamp his ticket to WrestleMania was the exclamation point on his rise. The nickname “Main Event Jey Uso” had finally become reality. He punched his way into the biggest stage of them all, ready to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship. But now, weeks later, that dream has been slightly dimmed. He’s still getting the title shot — but not the spot he truly earned. With Night 1 headlined by the blockbuster Triple Threat between CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns, and Night 2 closing with the surreal dream match between Cody Rhodes and a newly turned heel John Cena, Jey’s championship bout has been pushed out of the main event spotlight. For a man who’s scratched and clawed for everything, it’s a bittersweet turn of events.
This isn’t just a snub; it’s a statement. WWE made its picks, and Jey’s not one of the chosen ones. Again. While fans are hyped for Punk vs. Rollins vs. Reigns and buzzing about Cody vs. Cena, there’s a growing feeling that something's off. This year’s Rumble winner doesn’t main event. The guy who eliminated Cena, carried the emotional weight of The Bloodline story, and redefined himself in the process, is now a mid-card act at the biggest show of the year? It doesn’t sit right.
Let’s rewind. Jey Uso was never supposed to be here. When Roman Reigns returned in 2020 and took over SmackDown, Jey was thrust into the spotlight almost accidentally. But he delivered. Match after match, promo after promo, Jey proved he was more than just Jimmy’s twin. He became Roman’s right-hand man, then the conflicted cousin, then the rebel who walked away. His journey was layered and real. Fans connected with his vulnerability, his fire, his story.
When he declared for the 2025 Royal Rumble, few expected him to win. He wasn’t the betting favorite, and with stars like Drew McIntyre, Gunther, and even surprise returns floating around, Jey looked like a feel-good mid-Rumble pop. But he kept surviving. And when the dust settled, it was him and Cena. The roof nearly blew off. And when Jey tossed the 16-time World Champion out, it wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. Jey Uso belonged in the main event.
So what happened?
It’s a mix of timing and politics. CM Punk returned and instantly became a megastar again. Seth Rollins is the workhorse champion. Roman Reigns is still the Tribal Chief and a proven draw. That match had to happen. Then there’s Cody Rhodes — the man who "finished the story" last year. WWE wants to capitalize on that momentum, and pairing him with a heel John Cena is box office gold. So where does that leave Jey? Somewhere in between. Important, but not that important.
The World Heavyweight Championship match will still be huge. Damian Priest is a rising star, and if that’s who Jey ends up facing, it could be a banger. But let’s be real: it’s not going to close the show. It’s not going to have the same gravitas. And that’s the issue. Winning the Rumble used to mean something. It used to guarantee a main event slot. For Jey, it guaranteed a title match — but not the moment he truly earned.
But maybe that’s what makes Jey Uso who he is. He’s never had the easy road. He’s always had to fight harder, push further, prove more. Maybe this setback will only add fuel to his fire. Maybe not main eventing WrestleMania is the exact chip on his shoulder he needs to walk out as World Heavyweight Champion.
And maybe, just maybe, he writes his own main event. One that isn’t about placement on a card, but about the hearts he touches and the moments he creates.
Main Event Jey Uso isn’t just a nickname. It’s a mindset. And no matter when his music hits at WrestleMania 41, one thing is certain: the crowd will be ready to go to war with him.