Surprise betrayal, unfinished business? 4 reasons why Randy Orton is facing Gunther at Bash in Berlin

Gunther won the World Heavyweight Championship after defeating Damain Priest at SummerSlam last weekend. And WWE has wasted no time in setting up his first challenger.

Randy Orton interrupted The Ring General on this week's RAW and reminded the Imperium leader about the latter's controversial win against him in the final of the King of the Ring tournament earlier this year.

The Apex Predator challenged the Austrian Superstar to a one-on-one rematch with the prestigious World Heavyweight Championship on the line at Bash in Berlin.

This begs the question: Why was Randy Orton specifically chosen as Gunther's first challenger, especially considering that The Legend Killer is a SmackDown Superstar? Here are four possible reasons:

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#4. Randy Orton and Gunther have unfinished business

This week on RAW, Randy Orton reminded Gunther that his shoulders weren't down on the mat during the final of the King of the Ring tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Later, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H acknowledged the controversial finish and teased a future showdown between The Ring General and The Apex Predator.

While Orton admitted that the official's decision was final, the former WWE Champion made his case for a rematch. Furthermore, Gunther acknowledged that the controversial win was a blemish he had to remove from his record. Considering the motives of both men, a sequel was inevitable.

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#3. The Ring General vs. The Viper is a marquee bout that will generate immense hype

Gunther will be the hometown hero in Berlin. Thus, the World Heavyweight Champion will garner much interest. As for Randy Orton, he is one of the most recognized, popular, and beloved wrestling figures in the world.

Berlin will be hot for Orton, too. Thus, fans will be thoroughly invested in the Gunther-Randy sequel. Add the controversial finish to their previous encounter into the mix, and the wrestling world has more reason to be thrilled about the World Heavyweight Championship match.

Considering the drawing power of both men and their intriguing history, it was only logical for Triple H to book the sequel at Bash in Berlin.

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#2. WWE is keeping Randy Orton away from Cody Rhodes

Before challenging Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, Randy Orton was helping Cody Rhodes fight off The Bloodline, alongside Kevin Owens. Since The American Nightmare claimed the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania XL, fans have been clamoring for a feud between the former Legacy members.

However, Rhodes vs. Orton is understandably being held off for a bigger occasion down the line. Both share an incredible history, and the company feels the need to separate the two to build more hype for their eventual encounter.

This is possibly why the Triple H-led creative team decided to book The Legend Killer in a program with Gunther on RAW.

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#1. Kevin Owens could betray Randy Orton at Bash in Berlin

Much has been made of Randy Orton's friendship with Kevin Owens in the past few months. Both men have had an entertaining dynamic on television, which has kept their characters fresh. However, not all good things are meant to last, and alliances are temporary in WWE.

It remains to be seen how The Prizefighter will react to Orton possibly shifting to RAW. In the absence of an ally, The Bloodline could target Owens again. Furthermore, Kevin may also grow jealous of the World Heavyweight Title opportunity that Randy has received.

The jealousy could lead to Owens eventually betraying Orton during the latter's match against the reigning King of the Ring in Berlin later this month.