4 Reasons why Gunther vs. Damian Priest at Survivor Series: WarGames is a good idea
Survivor Series: WarGames is a few weeks away, and much of the card for the PLE has already taken shape. In a rematch from SummerSlam 2024, Gunther will take on Damian Priest at the show.
The Archer of Infamy defeated Sheamus, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, and Dominik Mysterio in a Fatal Four-Way Match to become the number one contender, booking a date with reigning champion Gunther at the Survivor Series: WarGames for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Despite the fresher options available to the company, Gunther vs. Damian Priest is a good idea, especially for these four reasons:
#4. Gunther and Damian Priest have unfinished business with each other
At SummerSlam, Damian Priest had Gunther beat with the South of Heaven Chokeslam before the treacherous Finn Balor hung The Ring General's foot on the rope. Following the betrayal, Priest was overwhelmed by emotion, eventually costing him the World Heavyweight Championship.
The former Judgment Day member brought up this fact during their face-off on RAW. The story would have been radically different if Balor hadn't gotten involved. Gunther's win wasn't clean, and the Austrian star looked vulnerable against Priest.
WWE had to revisit this angle. Priest and Gunther were evenly matched until Balor's involvement. Hence, there was no definitive winner. Secondly, The Archer of Infamy never received a rematch. In the Paul Levesque Era, rematches are not handed out, but there are frequently reasonable grounds for booking them.
A rematch was inevitable, and Survivor Series: WarGames is a good setting to host the second chapter.
#3. The feud would allow Damian Priest to shine as a top singles star
Damian Priest has had a tremendous 2024. There were reservations about making him the World Heavyweight Champion, but The Punisher exceeded expectations. His character work and promo skills have significantly improved, and fans have taken a keen interest in him.
However, he has spent most of his time in the shadow of The Judgment Day. With Balor and the rest in the rear-view mirror, Priest has a prime opportunity to embark on a different trajectory as a legitimate singles star.
The feud with Gunther will test the former World Heavyweight Champion's mettle as a singles star. Priest has no friends; he has to fight The Ring General (and potentially Ludwig Kaiser) alone in Canada. He also has to keep fans engaged in his work.
Thus far, Damian has done an incredible job, but building a World Title feud will certainly prove his caliber as a top singles star.
#2. Gunther needs to restore his "vibe!"
Damian Priest may have a point. Gunther has not been the menacing threat he was at the height of his dominance in NXT and the main roster. The Ring General almost lost to Priest at SummerSlam.
Randy Orton and Sami Zayn took him to the limit. More importantly, he lost to Cody Rhodes at WWE Crown Jewel. Gunther has looked vulnerable, and he may have lost some of his aura.
Beating a top fan favorite clean at the PLE will give him some much-needed momentum, add credibility to his title reign, and restore his aura.
#1. Gunther vs. Damian Priest could steal the show at Survivor Series: WarGames
If their SummerSlam match was any indication, Gunther and Damian Priest have amazing chemistry in the ring. Given their hard-hitting style and incredible athleticism, The Ring General and The Punisher can bring the best out of each other.
Furthermore, the WWE Universe is firmly backing Priest, as the two sides have developed a natural connection. With his chops and awe-inspiring demeanor, the Imperium leader's actions are always newsworthy.
Therefore, Gunther vs. Priest II at the Survivor Series: WarGames event could be a competitive, hard-hitting, and memorable bout. If WWE could double down on the story, the match could steal the show at the PLE.