Following his historic reign as Intercontinental Champion, Gunther made his first post-WrestleMania 40 appearance on Monday Night Raw. Surprisingly, he expressed his interest in the upcoming King of the Ring tournament rather than seeking revenge on Sami Zayn or regaining his lost title. This announcement has generated excitement and anticipation for the event, as Gunther’s participation is expected to elevate its status.
Over the years, the King of the Ring title has faced challenges in maintaining its relevance. Despite attempts by superstars like Xavier Woods to revive it, the championship’s luster has waned. The inclusion of icons like Stone Cold Steve Austin and King Booker in the tournament’s promotional material serves as a reminder of its former glory. However, no one has been able to restore its significance since their victories.
With Gunther’s involvement, the King of the Ring tournament has a renewed opportunity to regain its prominence. Gunther’s exceptional reign with the Intercontinental Championship, spanning 666 days, demonstrated his ability to elevate a title to main event status. Now, he sets his sights on doing the same for the King of the Ring.
Even if Gunther does not emerge victorious, his mere presence in the tournament will undoubtedly raise the stakes and lead to captivating matchups. The possibility of a highly anticipated confrontation between Gunther and his rival, Ilja Dragunov, who recently joined Monday Night Raw, adds further intrigue to the event.
While Gunther was previously considered a potential challenger to Roman Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, the landscape has shifted significantly since then. With Drew McIntyre’s rivalry with CM Punk, Cody Rhodes’ championship reign, and the emergence of Damian Priest and Logan Paul as title contenders, the main event scene has become even more competitive.
Taking ownership of the King of the Ring, even if he eventually pursues another title, appears to be the most suitable path for Gunther at this stage of his career. By focusing on this tournament, WWE acknowledges and maintains Gunther’s status as a top-tier competitor. Whether or not he wins, Gunther’s involvement is set to breathe new life into the King of the Ring tournament and deliver unforgettable moments for WWE fans.
