Who Should Gunther Face in Berlin?

Gunther, who stands tall and strong as the WWE Intercontinental Champion, has risen to be one of the biggest stars in modern wrestling. His aggressive work rate, relentless persona, and traditional approach to the art of old-school promo and storytelling style have made him a favorite among the fans as well as the critics. With WWE preparing for its Bash in Berlin event, to be staged in the country where the “Ring General” calls home, there are many questions about who Gunther should go head-to-head with at that event.

The Bash in Berlin also serves WWE with a perfect chance to give Gunther the spotlight to shine in front of the enthusiastic European audience. Gunther is a superstar from Austria and, as a result, is considered a hero for the European wrestling lovers. A match in Berlin is not just an ordinary title defense; it is a display of one of WWE’s top champions on the biggest stage in Germany, where he has lots of fans.

With that in mind, it is high time to consider several possible opponents for Gunther and evaluate the storytelling potential, the dynamics of their matches, and the possible results of the discussed feuds.

1. Drew McIntyre: A Clash of Giants

Among the most interesting opponents for Gunther in Berlin is Drew McIntyre, a former WWE Champion and one of the physically largest wrestlers of the current WWE. The Scottish Warrior is described more as a fighter and is not afraid to fight and kill in battle, which complements Gunthers heavy hitting and aggressive style.

Storyline Potential

The storyline between Gunther and McIntyre is there as both have clashed before, and this was evident when they both competed in a triple threat match against Sheamus at WrestleMania 39. In that match, both McIntyre and Gunther have delivered some of the most vicious and popular moments of the night, with both of them taking turns to deliver some solid strikes on the other. The sparks between the two are clearly visible, and WWE could easily bring this feud back as we approach Bash in Berlin.

Also, McIntyre has recently been described as a tweener—the wrestler who can easily switch from a face to a heel. In this context, McIntyre can come back as a warrior who is set to defeat Gunther on his quest and topple him in the match that is considered the battle between two of the toughest WWE competitors. McIntyre’s popularity in Europe, when added to the fact that Gunther will be fighting in his home country, will make for a very interesting match.

In-Ring Chemistry

McIntyre is characterized by his physically intense and stiff style of wrestling, as is Gunther. A match between these two would be an exciting slugfest of sorts—a violent affair that might be punctuated by stiff chops, big boots, strikes, and piledrivers. They have been tested in the past and have shown that they are capable of producing the kind of match that would keep the Berlin audience on the edge of their seats with both players giving their best.

Outcome

If McIntyre were to fight Gunther in Berlin, WWE has two clear possibilities. Either McIntyre would defeat Gunther in the match and win the Intercontinental Championship, thus putting an end to Gunther’s record-breaking reign, or Gunther would successfully defend the title, further extending his reign. Both outcomes have their reasons; however, letting Gunther hold on in his home country would be a statement in itself and prove beyond doubt that he is one of the best champions in the history of WWE.

2. Sheamus: The Final Chapter

Sheamus is also another favorite contender for Gunther’s opponent in Berlin. The Celtic Warrior has had some vintage bouts with Gunther, including their bout at Clash at the Castle in 2022, which was considered one of the best matches of the year. Sheamus and Gunther share a good dynamic, and their bouts are always hard-hitting and stiff.

Storyline Potential

This snippet is about Sheamus and Gunther’s rivalry, as these two wrestlers respect each other but do not shy away from defeating one another. Sheamus has long been chasing the one title that has eluded him throughout his illustrious WWE career: the Intercontinental Championship. His fight against Gunther has made him get to the verge of winning the title, but Gunther just gets by with his reign.

The Bash could have been the last chapter in the Berlin War between the two rival parties. It could be about Sheamus chasing one title that he has not captured and Gunther, who wants to retain his championship in his native country. The sentiment that Sheamus had for the Intercontinental Belt as well as the pride that Gunther would have in defending his title in Berlin would build up an intense match.

In-Ring Chemistry

Sheamus and Gunther are also infamous for being high-impact, hard-hitting big-men wrestlers. There are previous fights that they had that are filled with dirt, hits that can break bones, and heavy punches thrown by both men. In their fight at Clash at the Castle, the two fighters exchanged powerful blows that both fighters could not escape without bruises on their bodies. A match in Berlin would most probably remain in the same pattern, with Sheamus and Gunther showing no mercy for each other.

Outcome

In the case that Sheamus will be facing Gunther in Berlin, it can be the climax of Sheamus’ journey to finally capture the Intercontinental Championship. WWE could have a story of a comeback, and Sheamus can finally get the belt that he has always wanted for so long. On the other hand, WWE could keep on establishing Gunther’s legacy by having him annihilate Sheamus once more and therefore establishing Gunther as one of the most successful Intercontinental Champions in history.

3. Chad Gable: The Underdog Story

Chad Gable is a wrestler that has been in WWE for some time now, though he has been on the rise of late. An Olympic athlete and a technical genius, Gable has had a series of good matches with Gunther, and there was a time when he almost defeated one of the WWE’s most brute and dominating champions. A rematch between Gable and Gunther in Berlin could be the ultimate underdog story, especially if Gable will aim to win the Intercontinental Championship.

Storyline Potential

They thought they would stay stuck in the middle, and that is when the story of Chad Gable versus Gunther began. Gable has been built up as a ‘good guy’ or a ‘babyface,’ the role of the underdog, a skillful technician from a less powerful team who will not give up despite the odds. What he has experienced before with Gunther has been nearly getting a win over him but is cut short by Gunther’s superior strength and size.

In Berlin, WWE could bring the traditional tale of an underdog and see Gable have his shot at finally defeating Gunther and winning the Intercontinental title. The stake from the side of the fans would be high, as fans would be able to relate to Gable’s never-give-up attitude.

In-Ring Chemistry

Gable and Gunther have been great in the ring as they have opposite wrestling styles, which make them have great matches. Gable has managed to show his technical prowess and quickness to out-pose Gunther at some point, while Gunther has shown his superior power and striking force, which has been a major problem for the relatively smaller Gable. A match between the two in Berlin would probably be technical, with Gable trying to take down Gunther on the mat.

Outcome

An upset win for Chad Gable in Berlin would be a feel-good moment; it would be the underdog defeating the champion Gable. Nonetheless, WWE may wish to keep on prolonging Gunther’s gimmick of supremacy, where Gable will be as usual, giving his best but losing the fight. In any case, the pair of these two wrestlers would be a suitable contender to join the rest of the performers in Bash in Berlin.

4. Shinsuke Nakamura: A Clash of Styles

Another interesting candidate to consider in this regard is Shinsuke Nakamura as another possible opponent for Gunther in Berlin. Although there is no significant story arc between the two, the King of Strong Style and Gunther should have a lot of chemistry as they are different in approach to their wrestling.

Storyline Potential

Nakamura has recently had some hints of an aggressive persona; hence, having a rivalry with Gunther can call for the new image. Nakamura could be sold as an underdog who is dangerous for Gunther because of the fact that he is the one who never knows what to expect and his striking power. WWE could continue the story of Nakamura, who wants to get back to the top by defeating one of the most successful champions of recent years.

In-Ring Chemistry

That was a very stylistically contrasting fight because Nakamura mainly bases his offense on strong-style strikes and his experience in martial arts, whereas Gunther can be considered a traditional powerhouse. But this could produce a very interesting and potentially explosive clash in the ring when these two fighters were opponents. Nakamura is also well known for his striking and his ability to take a shot, so he would complement Gunther’s heavy striking offense by giving fans a competitive striking battle.

Outcome

That is why Nakamura defeating Gunther would be shocking and the kind of moment that could be a career-reviving for the former WWE Champion. However, it is more likely that Gunther would remain a title holder in this case and keep on reigning the music chart. In any case, a bout involving Nakamura and Gunther would be a novelty for WWE’s European tour.

Conclusion

On arrival, it was clear that the Ring General’s Homecoming would be a formidable event to attend and one that would provide an opportunity to showcase the organizational skills of the military.

The event held in Berlin is expected to be one of the best WWE shows outside America, and it only makes sense for Gunther to make a statement by defending the Intercontinental title in Europe. It doesn’t matter whether WWE wants to put Gunther against Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Chad Gable, or Shinsuke Nakamura; it will be a solid and intense match that will excite the fans.

Gunther has time and again shown his fans that he is among the best wrestlers in WWE history, making his homecoming in Berlin the pinnacle of his career. Regardless of whether or not he holds on to the belt or hands it over to the new champion of Bash in Berlin, Gunther has drawn what may be a definitive moment in his professional wrestling career.