WWE SummerSlam is the biggest premium live event of the summer every single year and this time around was no different. Not only was this the second biggest PLE of 2024, but it was the second most attended SummerSlam in history.
The show was an absolute hit, with every match on the card delivering in the ring. There were four title changes, a massive return, and even an appearance from Hall of Famer Arn Anderson ahead of the main event.
One of the most notable moments in the show was Gunther winning the World Heavyweight Championship. The Ring General was aided by Finn Balor, who betrayed Damian Priest, albeit not for Gunther's sake. Regardless, the powerful Austrian won the bout and the title.
The next massive premium live event is in Germany, a country where Gunther wrestled for years. Bash in Berlin will almost certainly have a big title defense from The Ring General, but who will be the one to step up and face him? This article will look at a handful of options.
New Champs in WWE! More RIGHT HERE
Below are four possible opponents for Gunther at WWE Bash in Berlin.
#4. Damian Priest likely wants a rematch
Damian Priest is quickly becoming one of the most popular babyfaces in WWE. Despite spending so much time as a heel, fans have been gravitating towards the cool big man, in part thanks to his real-life story of struggle.
The Archer of Infamy was the World Heavyweight Champion from WrestleMania 40 up until WWE SummerSlam. He won the belt by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase and went on to successfully defend the gold against Jey Uso and Seth Rollins.
Given that Priest arguably only lost the match at SummerSlam thanks to Finn Balor, he'll likely be seeking a rematch. The Judgment Day star could ask and receive a bout with Gunther in Germany with Finn Balor banned from the arena.
#3. Seth Rollins may want his World Heavyweight Championship back
Seth Rollins is one of the greatest wrestlers in modern WWE history. He joined the main roster as part of The Shield and has gone on to win numerous world titles and even headline WrestleMania. In fact, he entered WrestleMania 40 as the defending World Heavyweight Champion.
The Visionary didn't compete at WWE SummerSlam, but he was involved in one of the biggest matches of the show. He was the special guest referee for the Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk bout and got involved far more than he likely should have.
While there's a chance he will remain tangled up with the two angry stars, he could shift his focus to regaining the World Heavyweight Championship instead. Rollins vs. Gunther is a dream match for many fans, so the two clashing in Berlin could be an instant classic.
#2. Finn Balor could try to do what Damian Priest couldn't
Finn Balor is an accomplished pro wrestler. Even prior to joining WWE, he was a hit in Japan and Europe. Since joining the sports entertainment juggernaut, he won the Universal Title, the NXT Championship, and multiple tag team titles and mid-card belts.
As noted, Finn Balor betrayed Damian Priest at WWE SummerSlam. The two have had tension off and on for over a year, but nobody expected Finn to do what he did at The Biggest Party of the Summer. At the very least, Damian certainly didn't see it coming.
While Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest could be the plan soon, a different option is possible. Finn could attempt to fight and defeat Gunther at a major premium live event so he can gloat about doing something Priest failed to achieve.
#1. Ilja Dragunov and Gunther could renew their WWE rivalry
Ilja Dragunov is the most intense and fired-up superstar in all of WWE. His intensity has served him well, as the Russian star has held both the NXT Championship and the United Kingdom Championship in the past.
The Mad Dragon was nearly on the WWE SummerSlam card. He and Bron Breakker fought over a chance to challenge Sami Zayn, but a Spear on the floor caused Ilja to smash his head against the ring and the referee stopped the match.
Notably, Ilja and Gunther had a historic rivalry that spanned NXT UK and NXT TakeOver. They had some of the best matches of the modern era and would surely replicate their past success if the feud is renewed. Ilja and Gunther clashing at Bash in Berlin could be perfect given both men's history in the country.