WWE to book current champion’s loss at SummerSlam for mega feud later? Exploring potential motive

Damian Priest will put his WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the line against 2024 King of the Ring Gunther at SummerSlam on August 3. The leader of The Judgment Day has successfully run as a champion since winning the title at WrestleMania 40, while The Ring General will have his first title match since losing the Intercontinental Championship to Sami Zayn at 'Mania.

Even though Priest is expected to retain his title, we shouldn't rule out the possibility of Gunther dethroning him and starting a feud with Ilja Dragunov.

WWE wants Gunther to headline Bash in Berlin

Bash in Berlin is expected to be another premium live event that will attract the interest of international fans after Backlash in France in early May and Clash at the Castle in Scotland in mid-June.

Thus, it would make sense for Gunther, who is a fan favorite in Germany, to headline the event and have his first title defense since such a booking would maximize the fans' interest.

Damian Priest eventually has to start a feud with Finn Balor

We have seen Damian Priest and Finn Balor not see eye-to-eye on several occasions, especially amid Rhea Ripley's absence due to a shoulder injury.

With Rhea now back, we expect changes to take place in The Judgment Day. One of them should be Finn Balor turning on Damian Priest and starting a feud with him.

We have seen WWE hint at such a development, but it hasn't happened yet. SummerSlam, though, looks like the perfect venue for Balor to interfere in the title match, cost Priest the title, and start a feud with him.

WWE has teased a feud between Gunther and Ilja Dragunov

If Gunther becomes the new World Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam, having him defend it for the first time against Ilja Dragunov at Bash in Berlin would make sense.

Gunther and Dragunov have faced each other numerous times, not only on NXT but also in other wrestling promotions. Their feud has attracted wrestling fans' interest worldwide, and WWE teased it when Dragunov moved to the main roster during the 2024 Draft in late April.

Thus, a match between the two megastars for the title at the next PLE after SummerSlam would be the perfect chance to start their feud.