WWE Superstar Damian Priest will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther at SummerSlam later this week. The rivalry has become personal over the past few weeks, and it will be interesting to see who walks out of Cleveland, Ohio, with the title.
The main-event scene on Monday Night RAW is absolutely stacked, and there will definitely be challengers lining up for the world title after the match. Below are four possible challengers for the World Heavyweight Championship after SummerSlam.
#4. Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov has made an impressive start to his main roster career since getting drafted to Monday Night RAW earlier this year. He has shown he is difficult to beat and will give his all every single time he competes.
Over the past few weeks, Dragunov has been involved with Bron Breakker, Sami Zayn, and the Intercontinental Championship. However, there is something bigger in store for The Mad Dragon moving forward.
If Gunther were to reign supreme at SummerSlam, there is a huge possibility that Dragunov could be his first challenger. Bash in Berlin is WWE's next Premium Live Event after SummerSlam. Given the entire history between Gunther and Dragunov, a world title match in Germany could steal the show.
#3. Sheamus
Sheamus made his much-anticipated return from injury on the April 15 episode of Monday Night RAW post-WrestleMania 40. The Celtic Warrior has since been involved in programs with the likes of Ludwig Kaiser, Bronson Reed, and Pete Dunne.
However, there have been no major storylines for Sheamus. The former WWE Champion still competes at a high level, and the Stamford-based promotion needs to make sure to utilize him well.
With Drew McIntyre and CM Punk involved in their own rivalry, Sheamus is a reliable performer who could step up to the main event scene and challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship after SummerSlam.
#2. Finn Balor
During this week's episode of Monday Night RAW, Gunther said that he looked up to Finn Balor. However, everyone knows Balor was destined for bigger things before he aligned himself with The Judgment Day.
WWE has been teasing a breakup within The Judgment Day for some time now, and these comments from the Ring General could lead to Balor leaving the group. If The Prince were to do so, he could possibly move on to challenge for the world title.
If Damian Priest retains his title at SummerSlam, a feud with Finn Balor could draw huge interest among the fans, considering the long-time storyline they have.
#1. WWE Superstar Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins made his in-ring return a few weeks ago, challenging Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Money in the Bank. There was a stipulation that The Visionary wouldn't be able to challenge for the title if he lost at MITB.
However, after winning the chaotic match in which Drew McIntyre and CM Punk got involved, Priest told Rollins not to worry about the stipulation. He even offered Seth a rematch if he retains at SummerSlam.
WWE has also teased a massive program between Rollins and Gunther in the past. Rollins is still the top babyface on RAW and would be the perfect challenger for the world champion, irrespective of who emerges victorious at The Biggest Party of the Summer.