What’s good, everybody? I’m back once again with another opinion piece from yours, truly. Not many people in the community are bringing this up as a topical discussion: who should defeat Gunther and become the new Intercontinental Champion? Gunther is one of the most unstoppable champions outside Roman Reigns as the reigning defending WWE/Universal Champion. I have loved the way that Creative has booked and presented Gunther. Triple H will protect Gunther, and we, as fans, shouldn’t be worried about his booking. Who beats him, and who makes sense to do so? I have the official Monday Night Raw roster, and I will break it down. Let’s get started!
Will Drew McIntyre Step up?
At WrestleMania 39, we saw Drew McIntyre come close to defeating Gunther and Sheamus and becoming the new Intercontinental Champion. Drew McIntyre is very capable of defeating Gunther because he’s believable, and I don’t think fans will get upset if it turns out to be Drew McIntyre, as it would be a big deal for whoever defeats Gunther. Drew McIntyre can establish that championship and be a fighting champion as Gunther is a top heel, so Drew McIntyre can be the top face who takes down the heel, and the fans would support it.
Will Shinsuke Nakamura Step up?
Shinsuke Nakamura returned and is currently feuding with The Miz. Once Shinsuke Nakamura is done with The Miz, he needs to be built back up to a serious contender to challenge Gunther as Intercontinental Champion. We must see The ”King of Strong Style” return and go on a war path. The WWE misled Shinsuke Nakamura and his booking, and once that happened, the fans saw that and decided not to take Shinsuke Nakamura seriously. But now, in the hands of Triple H, Shinsuke Nakamura will be booked properly, and as a fan of his, I can’t wait to see the NXT version of Shinsuke Nakamura. And if we get that version, it is clear that he is believable to dethrone Gunther and become the new Intercontinental Champion.
Will JD McDonagh Step up?
I loved it when I saw him head up to the main roster, especially going to Monday Night Raw and being on the same roster as Gunther. He was bound to be on the main roster sooner rather than later. It was interesting to see him on the same show as Gunther and not see someone like Sheamus, who has a history with Gunther, not on Monday Night Raw. JD McDonagh has all the tools to dethrone Gunther, and I don’t care if he’s shorter than Gunther. He’s believable, and that’s what people want, believability in regard to defeating Gunther.
Will Finn Balor Step Up?
Finn Balor faced off against Gunther back in NXT or interacted with him. And it was a barbaric back-and-forth match, so seeing both men back on the same roster is a joy to see. Finn Balor has gone on record and stated that Judgment Day needs to start winning championships, which they have, which was seeing ”Mami” aka Rhea Ripley winning the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Finn Balor is very believable too, and I wonder if fans would be upset if he were the one to dethrone Gunther.
When it’s all said and done. Before Gunther drops The Intercontinental Championship, he needs to beat the record of The ”Honkey Tonk Man” as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all-time, which deserves that record. Triple H has gone on record and said that Gunther would be headed to the main event scene sooner rather than later when the time is right. I trust him when he says that. As long as Triple H is still in charge of creative, Gunther will be fine. I hope you all enjoyed reading this article. See you all next time for another opinion piece from yours truly.
JORDAN TURNER
Podcaster and creative writer.
