On Friday Night SmackDown, Gunther defends his Intercontinental Championship against Ricochet. It was against Ricochet that Gunter won the championship on June 10, 2022. It has been a dominant government for the Ring General since that fateful night. Does it end in the resit on Friday?
It certainly looks like another impressive defense for Gunter on Friday night. If that happens, who could be the one to end the six-month government? It will certainly take quite a feat to take down the leader of Imperium.
As we try to figure out who will beat Gunter next, here’s a list of the top potential opponents for Gunter’s Intercontinental Championship, should he beat Ricochet:
#5. In the list of 5 potential opponents for Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship: Braun Strowman
This certainly seems like the most obvious choice. Gunther has done something very rare in recent weeks. He has been run away from an opponent. You can’t entirely blame him as The Monster of All Monsters has destroyed all opponents since his return in September. But Strowman was missing a real feud. That could soon change.
Gunther has been looking for every opportunity in recent weeks to attack a wounded Strowman. What happens when they finally face off for the Intercontinental Championship? Looks like we’ll find out soon enough.
#4. Brock Lenar
Brock Lenar is in need of a meaningful feud after ending his run of matches with Roman Reigns in 2022. He had a match with Bobby Lashley at Crown Jewel where he got a sudden victory, only to find himself locked in Lashley’s Hurt Locker. Lesnar needs a huge matchup in the future. Gunther in.
Rumors are circulating that Gunther will face Brock Lesnar Wrestle Mania 39. It is surely a dream match for all pro wrestling fans. It would be a physical match for all ages. When you add in the fact that Brock Lesnar has never won an Intercontinental Championship, that could be all the motivation the “Beast” needs in 2023.
#3. Sam Zayn
The rise of Sami Zayn has been the story of 2022. The sacrifices he’s made to gain acceptance from The Bloodline have led to some really compelling television on SmackDown. Now that Zayn looks like he’s finally been accepted by The Bloodline, what’s next?
Since Zayn can’t challenge The Tribal Chief for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, what can he fight for? Zayn is a former three-time Intercontinental champion and has fought in a few ‘Number One Contender’ matches this year.
If the goal is to put on a believable face that will be popular with the public, then Sami seems like the ideal candidate. We know he will give Gunther quite a challenge in the ring as well.
#2. Drew McIntyre
It seemed the right time for it Drew McIntyre to win the WWE Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle. But The Bloodline intervened, costing Drew the World Championship in Cardiff. It was certainly strange to see McIntyre just accept the loss and move on. He really seems to be out of the main event right now.
Drew McIntyre is currently out with an injury but has vowed to be back in the near future. If he can’t fight Roman Reigns again, the Intercontinental Championship looks like a worthy prize for the Scottish Warrior. We know that Drew is capable of playing physical matches. A challenge against Gunther would be a special moment that would help take the Intercontinental title to the next level.
#1. Sheamus
Sheamus has never won the Intercontinental Championship in his illustrious career. Bee Collision in the castle in September he fought Gunther in a truly incredible title match. Over 20 brutal minutes, these two men played one of the most physical matches in recent history. Gunther won that night, but Sheamus received a well-deserved ovation from the 60,000 UK fans.
In a retake on SmackDown in October, it appeared that Gunther had been tapped. This caused Sheamus to release the hold to be on the receiving end of a Shillelagh attack. It looked like Sheamus would continue to fall short against “The Ring General”.
There seems to be only one logical end to this great feud. Sheamus needs to win his first ever Intercontinental Championship. It will be a special moment when it finally comes. And who wouldn’t want Sheamus to challenge Gunther one more time?
Did Seth Rollins Nearly End a Legendary Career? More detail here.
