The upcoming WWE Road to Clash in Paris tour across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France in late August 2025 is undergoing notable roster changes, with top stars Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins reportedly pulled from the advertised lineup. Meanwhile, WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER’s status and updates on key women’s division stars Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair are also drawing attention.

According to the initial event announcements, WWE confirmed multiple tapings and house shows scheduled for this summer, including a Raw taping on August 25 in Birmingham and SmackDown tapings in Dublin and Lyon, building up to the historic Clash in Paris event on August 31 at the Paris La Défense Arena[1][3]. Prior advertisements had prominently listed Seth Rollins, the Raw brand’s World Heavyweight Champion, and Cody Rhodes among the featured talents for this U.K. leg of the tour[2].

Rollins & Rhodes Removed from WWE U.K. Tour Lineup

Recent official advertising and promotional material for the WWE U.K. tour have revealed that both Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes are no longer included on the scheduled cards. Wrestling Headlines first reported that after being initially advertised for the tour dates, Rollins and Rhodes have been pulled from the current WWE U.K. touring roster[Reference Summary].

Sources close to WWE and confirmed by Fightful insiders suggest this adjustment is related to WWE’s evolving creative direction and the upcoming Clash in Paris PPV. While no official WWE statement has been issued publicly on the precise reasons, backstage speculation indicates an emphasis on promoting GUNTHER as WWE’s top champion for the European tour, with Rollins and Rhodes possibly being saved for different major storylines or events around this time[Reference Summary].

GUNTHER to Take Center Stage in Europe

World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER remains a focal point for WWE’s Road to Clash in Paris tour, solidifying his reign as the company’s flagship champion during this European swing. WWE’s official event page lists GUNTHER alongside other major stars expected to appear at these events, including Jey Uso, Charlotte Flair, and Bianca Belair[2].

According to WWE.com’s March 2025 announcement about the tour, GUNTHER’s reign and scheduled appearances position him as the leading figure for the UK and Ireland dates, enhancing local fan interest given his European heritage and dominant championship run[3]. This development aligns with WWE’s strategy to boost his profile ahead of Clash in Paris and capitalize on his popularity in Europe.

Rhea Ripley & Bianca Belair Updates

In the women’s division, Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair are also significant draws listed on the UK and Ireland cards. Both women are featured prominently as representatives of Raw and SmackDown, respectively, with Ripley recently coming off major storylines and Belair being WWE Women’s Champion[2].

Recent backstage interviews and podcasts have highlighted Rhea Ripley’s continued momentum and involvement in top-tier matches, indicating she will be a key player during the tour and Clash in Paris build-up. Similarly, Bianca Belair remains an important or driving force in the women’s championship scene, and WWE appears to be leveraging both stars to enhance the women’s division presence throughout this European tour cycle[Reference Summary].

Event Overview and Historical Importance

The Road to Clash in Paris tour is notable for marking WWE’s first-ever televised SmackDown events from Dublin and for returning to Birmingham after 12 years. Clash in Paris at the La Défense Arena also represents WWE’s inaugural premium live event in the French capital, indicating WWE’s expanding footprint in Europe[3].

The eight-city itinerary includes key cultural centers such as Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff, and Lyon, showcasing WWE’s international appeal and quenching European fans’ appetite for live WWE action in the summer of 2025[2].

What This Means Moving Forward

WWE’s decision to pull Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins from the tour may signal future major storyline developments, potentially reserving them for other flagship shows or a different phase of WWE’s calendar. Fans are advised to monitor official WWE news channels and trusted industry sources like Fightful and Wrestling Headlines for live updates.

Meanwhile, GUNTHER’s reign and prominent booking during the European run underscore WWE’s commitment to elevating him as a cornerstone champion. The women’s division looks poised to remain competitive and prominent with Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair continuing their rise.

A WWE insider shared, “WWE is fine-tuning its international rosters carefully to maximize star power in key markets. Pulling Rollins and Rhodes was a strategic move to build fresh anticipation for what’s next after Clash in Paris”[Reference Summary].

As WWE recalibrates its lineup for this important international summer tour, fans in the UK, Ireland, and France can expect compelling live action headlined by emerging champions and top-tier talent.

For fans planning to attend, tickets and presale registrations remain available for select dates, with Priority Pass packages offering premium ringside experiences and superstar interactions ahead of these high-profile events[3].