Controversial win against Randy Orton became essential to their next encounter, says major WWE name
Randy Orton has come up short on certain occasions in WWE but was completely wronged by the officials in one instance. Recently, current World Heavyweight Champion Gunther reflected on the controversial moment at King and Queen of the Ring and stated it became essential for their next match in Berlin.
Earlier this year, Randy Orton lost to Gunther in the final of the King of the Ring tournament but The Viper's shoulders were never down for the pinfall. Instead of restarting the match, The Ring General walked out of Saudi Arabia with the win and went on to dethrone Damian Priest at WWE SummerSlam 2024.
In an interview with Metro UK, the current World Heavyweight Champion expressed his disappointment with the finish and understood the fans' frustration. However, he spun the whole incident positively and stated that the controversial finish later became essential to their match in Berlin and added more to the second encounter.
"I was very good with it, because referee’s mistakes happens, and it happens in every sport. It’s part of it. It fuels the involvement in what we do, because it’s frustrating for the competitors. It’s frustrating for the fans, because they think they were about to see something else, or something else should have been the end of this match," Gunther said.
He added:
"And I think without, without that happening, the match [at Bash In Berlin] wouldn’t have happened and would not have meant that much." [H/T - Metro UK]
Gunther defeated Randy Orton clean at WWE Bash in Berlin
The controversial finish in Saudi Arabia was later addressed by Triple H. However, The King of Kings stated the referee's decision was final and the two could collide when the opportunity arises.
After winning the World Heavyweight Championship from Damain Priest at WWE SummerSlam 2024, Randy Orton appeared on Monday Night RAW following the event and challenged The Ring General for a rematch.
The rematch occurred in Germany at WWE Bash in Berlin. In the end, the World Heavyweight Champion retained his title against The Viper when Orton passed out while in a sleeper hold.