Who Should Gunther's First Feud as World Heavyweight Champion Be Against?

Who Should Gunther’s First Feud as World Heavyweight Champion Be Against? – The recent SummerSlam show was a blockbuster one for WWE. Roman Reigns returned and immediately beelined for his former enforcer Solo Sikoa, dropping him with a Superman Punch and a Spear, helping long-time rival Cody Rhodes to retain his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Elsewhere, the Judgement Day imploded with Dominik Mysterio costing his ‘Mami’ the Women’s World Championship by aligning himself with Liv Morgan as well as Finn Balor, costing Damian Priest the World Heavyweight Championship.

The man who was more than happy to accept the Irishman’s assist was Gunther, who successfully choked out the now-former “El Campeon” to become the new heavyweight king. But with his maiden world title reign now underway, attention immediately turns to what’s next for the Ring General, and who will attempt to dethrone him as champion. So, what are the options?

Sami Zayn

In recent times, more and more bookmakers have been treating WWE as a combat sport, providing odds on the matchups despite their scripted nature. Online MMA betting has taken off in recent times, with promotions such as DuelBits’ Ultimate Fighting Jackpot becoming one of the most popular offers on the market. The move to offer WWE betting has been down to the growth of Superstars such as Sami Zayn, who was unquestionably the biggest star in the company just over a year ago.

The Canadian made waves as he joined Roman Reigns’ Bloodline faction as the Honorary Uce, helping them to a WarGames match victory in November 2022 before turning on his Tribal Chief three months later. He went on to main event night one of WrestleMania 39, before winning the Intercontinental Championship at the Showcase of the Immortals earlier this year.

The man he beat to secure that championship? Gunther. Zayn’s victory ended the Austrian’s reign with the workman championship at a record 666 days, and he remains the only person to hold a pinfall victory over the newly minted world champion since his call-up to the main roster. Zayn dropped the IC title to Bron Breaker at Summerslam, seemingly clearing the way for a rematch with Gunther, a rematch the current champ would surely win.

SAMI ZAYN DID IT!!! GUNTHER HAS BEEN DETHRONED!!!

WE HAVE A NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION AT #WrestleMania!!! pic.twitter.com/ecvyi7y3Xh
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2024

Giovanni Vinci

Back in April, Giovanni Vinci was ousted from Imperium following a vicious attack by comrade Ludwig Kaiser. Gunther – the undisputed head of the faction – agreed with his right-hand man’s actions, and the Italian technician hasn’t been seen since. Could he return to attack and ultimately feud with his former leader?

This choice would be a surprising – and perhaps to some underwhelming – choice as the number one contender. However, every major title challenger on Monday Night Raw is currently locked up in another feud, and that could be the perfect storm for Vinci to jump the queue. Damian Priest will be handling Finn Balor’s betrayal while CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and Seth Rollins are in a three-way blood feud with a potential Hell in a Cell match between the three on the horizon.

As such, then, there is no clear number-one contender for Gunther to face. While Giovanni Vinci has never truly been in singles competition in the WWE, there can be no denying that he is a supremely talented wrestler. Could his in-ring ability be enough to secure him a marquee feud for the championship, potentially reviving his ailing career with the company?