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Gunther made his return to WWE Raw a couple of weeks after losing the Intercontinental Championship to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 40. The 36-year-old wrestler was a champion for a record 666 days and is now preparing for his next mission, as he declared for The King of the Ring tournament.
The tournament will take place in Saudi Arabia on May 25th, and Gunther said that after he wins it, he will go after any title he wants. However, his segment was interrupted by The New Day, with Xavier Woods also announcing his participation. Woods was the last King of the Ring winner back in 2021.
With that in mind, we can take a look a four directions that Gunther could go following his WWE RAW comeback:
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#4. Starting a feud with Xavier Woods
This is very likely to happen after Monday's segment, since Xavier Woods is the reigning King of the Ring. The two already have history, with The Imperium and New Day having faced each other several times.
So, a feud between the two could intensify in the coming weeks and lead to a match at Backlash: France and then culminate at King of the Ring.
#3. Going after Sami Zyan to reclaim the Intercontinental Championship
Sami Zyan is currently dealing with Chad Cable and Bronson Reed on WWE RAW, but Gunther could emerge as a threat once again. The former champion was dominant during his title reign, and it wouldn't come as a surprise if he was trying to either enter himself in the title picture or confront Zyan to re-ignite the feud and set up a future title match.
Based on what the fans saw on WWE RAW, the stage is set for a Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship, featuring Sami Zyan, Big Bronson Reed and Chad Cable. So, Gunther could find a way to enter the match and make it a Fatal Four-Way or wait for the dirt to settle before going after whoever is left holding the title. Either way, The Ring General is owed a re-match for the title and he can use the opportunity to win back the prestigious IC Title.
#2. Challenging Damian Priest
Gunther said that his focus is on the King of the Ring tournament, but made it clear that he is now the hunter, not the hunted anymore, and will pursue any title he desires.
So, if he stays on Monday Night RAW past the WWE Draft, the WWE Universe could assume that he will try to start a feud with reigning World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest, who will take on Jey Uso at Backlash.
It is still unclear if WWE views Priest as a transitional champion or they want him to have a longer title run, but Gunther could emerge as one of his next challengers.
#1. Moving to SmackDown
This possibility arises if SmackDown GM Nick Aldis picks him at the WWE Draft. Should this happen, it will open a new path for him and will help him create new storylines, potentially going after the reigning United States Champion Logan Paul or new Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
With that in mind, the former IC Champion could be one of the top names that will switch brands during the WWE Draft, which will start this Friday on SmackDown (April 26) and end on RAW (April 29) next week.
