Gunther's time as World Champion has run its course, says former WWE employee; 39-year-old star named as the successor

Modified Jan 08, 2025 18:24 GMT

Gunther is still the World Heavyweight Champion of WWE RAW [Photo credit: WWE.com]

Since winning the World Heavyweight Championship at the 2024 SummerSlam, Gunther has successfully defended the title against top stars on the roster. While there have been many rumors about The Ring General's next opponent, a former WWE employee recently named a 39-year-old star the successor to the Austrian's title.

Former WWE employee Tommy Carlucci praised Drew McIntyre as a force to be reckoned with. He feels that a run with the title for McIntrye is long overdue and that The Scottish Warrior has all it takes to carry the company through the early days of its Netflix Era.

Speaking on the Behind The Turnbuckle podcast, Tommy Carlucci and Jonathan Coachman noted that Jey Uso got his moment on the WWE RAW on Netflix premiere, but at the expense of Drew McIntyre. They pointed to how it does not look good for someone who is a huge star like the 39-year-old to lose in the premiere episode:

"[I just don't think it's a good look for Drew] No, not at all," Tommy Carlucci agreed with Jonathan Coachman. "And how long have we been on his bandwagon, Coach? Since the summertime, we've been talking about Drew. He's the guy. He's the one that should have the title. He will elevate the title to near Cody Rhodes status. Now, we still have Gunther as the champ. And Drew is a machine. 270 pounds and he's doing a kip up? Are you kidding me?" He added. [From 45:01 to 45:28]

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Gunther vs. Logan Paul has been teased ahead of WWE RAW on Netflix premiere

Logan Paul proclaimed that from here on, he only has big goals in mind. The Maverick stated that wrestling is no longer a side hustle and that he will be gunning for the World Heavyweight Championship.

In response during the WWE RAW on Netflix Kickoff, Gunther brushed off the possibility of Logan Paul dethroning him. He added that he would happily "slap the stupid smirk off" the former United States Champion's face:

"I think my English is pretty good. So, I'm going to make it even simpler. If Logan Paul thinks he can walk in here and take this [the title] away from me, if he ever makes it to the top of that line to challenge me for the World Heavyweight Championship, it will be my duty and my pleasure to slap the stupid smirk out of his face," Gunther said.