4 WWE stars who should have challenged Gunther before Randy Orton - Major name with no direction, absent rival with a vendetta?
WWE SummerSlam aired last Saturday and it was a massive hit. Triple H and company officials decided to keep the momentum going by having one of the best episodes of Monday Night RAW in 2024.
RAW featured numerous highlights, but one of the biggest took place in the opening segment. World Heavyweight Champion Gunther was proudly boasting in regards to his title win when suddenly Randy Orton's music hit.
The Viper pointed out that their first-time ever match at the 2024 King and Queen of the Ring Premium Live Event ended in controversy when Orton's shoulder was up and the referee missed it. As a result, he challenged The Ring General to a title match at Bash in Berlin.
The powerful Austrian accepted Orton's challenge and the match is on, but was it the right move? An argument could be made that there were better opponents for the King of the Ring than The Viper heading into Bash in Berlin. This article will look at a handful of choices who would've been arguably better or more fitting opposition for Gunther than Randy Orton.
Below are four WWE stars who should have challenged Gunther before Randy Orton.
#4. Ilja Dragunov and Gunther have had an epic rivalry in WWE
Ilja Dragunov is the most intense pro wrestler in the world. He is hard-hitting and can take a beating like no other. This has led to WWE fans loving the former NXT Champion.
The Mad Dragon was called up to WWE's main roster in the 2024 Draft. He has since headlined a few episodes of RAW and remains a relatively prominent figure, but he is yet to truly reach the top. Given his history with Gunther, however, Bash in Berlin could've been the perfect time to change that.
Gunther and Ilja had a legendary feud which saw the two clash on NXT UK and at an NXT TakeOver event. The company even teased the pair continuing their legendary rivalry once Ilja joined the main roster, but it is yet to happen. The two clashing in Europe would've been the perfect opportunity.
#3. Damian Priest needs his rematch
Damian Priest has had quite the journey in 2024. He started the year off as a heel holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. He cashed in, won the World Heavyweight Title, and eventually turned babyface. Now, WWE fans adore him, especially when he is aligned with Rhea Ripley.
The Archer of Infamy was the World Heavyweight Champion until WWE SummerSlam. He lost the title to Gunther, but it was due to dubious means. Finn Balor cost the former champion the bout.
Priest should, by all rights, have a title opportunity in the future. Not only did he almost win the hard-fought bout against The Ring General, but he only lost thanks to The Prince's interference. As a result, Priest should be the one challenging Gunther first, not Randy Orton.
#2. Jey Uso needs more TV time
Jey Uso is one of the WWE Universe's most favorite wrestlers. Everywhere the former Tag Team Champion goes leads to massive applause from fans. His entrance is one of the best to witness in all of modern wrestling. The experience is similar to a gigantic and energetic concert brought to a wrestling show.
Despite being so incredibly popular, Jey isn't doing much right now. The former WWE Tag Team Champion wasn't involved in SummerSlam. While some think he may end up on SmackDown with The Bloodline, that isn't the case as of now.
Since Jey isn't on SmackDown yet and may never make the move, he would've been a better choice than Orton as Gunther's opponent. The Viper has his tag team with Kevin Owens and the feud with The Bloodline to focus on. Jey needs something to do and a big title bout would've been perfect.
#1. Giovanni Vinci should be seeking revenge
Giovanni Vinci is an extraordinary in-ring talent. While he has only shown off a fraction of his skills on WWE's main roster, Vinci is incredibly strong and bulky, but also athletic and capable of high-flying.
Vinci spent most of his career in WWE as a member of Imperium, but that is no longer the case. Giovanni was brutally kicked out of the group by Ludwig Kaiser and instead of siding with Vinci, Gunther chose the German star.
While the Italian superstar isn't a big name, the story of him seeking revenge on Ludwig and Gunther is too much to pass up. It would've been better had he been Gunther's first challenger, even in defeat, as the story makes sense and it would elevate Vinci to the next level.