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WWE RAW star Gunther battled Randy Orton in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament this past Saturday night in Saudi Arabia. The Ring General defeated The Viper, but the match ended in controversy.
Randy Orton's shoulders were not on the canvas during the pinfall and Triple H has already stated there will likely be a rematch. However, Gunther will remain this year's King of the Ring and has earned a World Heavyweight Championship match at SummerSlam on August 3 in Cleveland.
Listed below are five reasons Gunther should win the title at this year's SummerSlam.
#5. The WWE Universe loves to hate Gunther
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Gunther kicked off this week's episode of WWE RAW and boasted about his King of the Ring victory. He also referred to himself as "The King General of the Ring" ahead of tonight's show. World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest interrupted Gunther and pointed out that everyone saw Randy Orton's shoulders up at King and Queen of the Ring.
The crowd chanted, "We want Randy!" and booed the former Intercontinental Champion whenever he tried to speak. The 36-year-old would be a great heal champion, and the promotion could also build a babyface during his title reign to eventually take him down.
He is also completely different from Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, and it would make RAW and SmackDown feel different for the viewer.
#4. It would set Gunther back if he loses
The Intercontinental Championship was not as prestigious before Gunther's dominant 666-day reign. Sami Zayn finally was able to dethrone the leader of Imperium at WWE WrestleMania XL last month, but it was partially because his opponent was too focused on taunting his wife in the front row.
Gunther likely has learned from that mistake and will not take his focus off of the task at hand again. If he remains focused at SummerSlam, the 36-year-old should be able to defeat whoever is standing across the ring from him. However, if he were to lose clean in the match, it could cause the WWE Universe to not view him as a serious threat for a major title.
#3. He could elevate the World Heavyweight Championship to another level
The Intercontinental Championship means a lot more today than it did before Gunther's historic reign. Sami Zayn has become an even bigger star following his victory at WWE WrestleMania XL, and Gunther could now do the same for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Seth Rollins did an admirable job as the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion, and Damian Priest is entertaining with the title as well. However, The Ring General has been so dominant on the main roster so far that he could put together a historic championship reign, but this time with a major title.
If Gunther has a successful title reign, the World Heavyweight Championship could also be viewed as of similar value to the Undisputed WWE Championship.
#2. It is the natural next step for Gunther
The disappointment of his loss at WWE WrestleMania XL didn't last long as Gunther quickly bounced back to win this year's King of the Ring tournament. The natural next step for the RAW star would be to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship and that is what will happen at SummerSlam on August 3.
Gunther has dominated the midcard since his arrival on the main roster, but it is time for him to take the next step. He could win the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam and instantly become one of the company's biggest stars. The veteran is already on his way to becoming a marquee name, but a major title around his waist would make a huge difference.
#1. He could have several huge rivalries on WWE RAW
There is a ton of potential for entertaining rivalries with Gunther as a heel World Heavyweight Champion. The RAW star is a natural in the ring and can make a match work with any opponent.
Gunther could defend the title against a recently drafted star like Ilja Dragunov or a veteran like CM Punk, and many fans would be intrigued by both matchups. His unique, incredibly physical style brings out the best in the stars he is in the ring with.
