5 Options For Gunther's WWE WrestleMania 40 Opponent

With just 43 days until WrestleMania XL, it's getting harder to predict how Gunther will factor into WWE's biggest premium live event of the year.

The Austrian star had a fantastic run in 2023. As one of the final two participants in last year's men's Royal Rumble match, he became Iron Man of the event and set a new record, lasting 71 minutes and 40 seconds.

At The Showcase of the Immortals, The Ring General delivered one of the weekend's best matches with Sheamus and Drew McIntyre. Even more, the 36-year-old cemented his legacy as he became the longest-reigning Intercontinental champion, eclipsing Honky Tonk Man's record and Pedro Morales's combined tenure.

Still, there is a bit of uncertainty surrounding the leader of Imperium because many expected him to enter the world title picture by now. If CM Punk didn't return in November, one would have to imagine he would've challenged Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a few weeks.

Nevertheless, ending his dominant 623-day reign on The Grandest Stage of the All would likely offer someone an unforgettable WrestleMania moment. These are the five best options to face Gunther at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.

Andrade El Idolo

Straight away, Andrade El Idolo makes an intriguing opponent for Gunther at WrestleMania.

The former NXT champion returned to WWE at Royal Rumble after a tremendous run in AEW's Continental Classic and a short-lived return to CMLL. The Mexican wrestler raised his profile in 2023, and his renewed presentation makes him look like an even bigger star.

As such, the company should capitalize on his buzz and put him in a noteworthy match at The Show of Shows. A strong showing or a win over The Ring General would position the returning luchador to keep an eye on in 2024.

The 34-year-old could easily replace Gunther as Raw's workhorse champion as he moves on to the world title picture.

Bron Breakker

Similarly, Bron Breakker would probably make the most out of a shocking win over the dominant Intercontinental champion.

It isn't difficult to see that WWE envisions the second-generation wrestler as someone who could be the future of the company. After all, the 26-year-old delivered an excellent performance in the men's Royal Rumble match and was the breakout star of NXT 2.0.

Breakker has the strength and raw talent to hang with Gunther, and the champion already said he would welcome the challenge during his appearance on the Battleground Podcast.

"He's still very young and inexperienced," he said. "I think he has all the potential in the world. If he's the one for WrestleMania, I'm here to take on the challenge. It's going to be a very exciting match. (h/t Matt Black of WrestleZone)"

Chad Gable

Following their feud in 2023, WrestleMania 40 could be the right time to revisit Chad Gable vs. Gunther.

The Olympian was the most convincing contender for the Intercontinental title, following the champion's extended rivalry with Sheamus. On the Aug. 21, 2023 episode of Raw, the head of Alpha Academy handed Gunther his first loss on the main roster via countout.

This improbable win set up an incredible rematch in the main event of the Sept. 4 edition of WWE's flagship series. Gable ultimately lost a hotly contested match, but the 37-year-old vowed to avenge his loss and make his daughter proud.

That is an ideal premise for a Cinderella win in the hometown of one of the most celebrated underdogs, Rocky Balboa. Honestly, this storyline may be the most rewarding way to end The Ring General's record-breaking reign.

Sheamus

Sheamus recently became more active on social media again. He even posed the question, "Anyone missing 5-star banger matches?"

The Celtic Warrior referenced his 2023 match-of-the-year contender with Gunther and McIntyre from WrestleMania 39. Surely, most viewers would love to see another entry in his acclaimed trilogy of matches with The Ring General this year.

More to the point, many fans invested in his pursuit of the WWE Intercontinental Championship. After all, it's the last mantle he has yet to hold with the company, and his rivalry with the Austrian star was so popular.

The 46-year-old has been out of action due to a shoulder injury since his match with Edge on the Aug. 18 episode of SmackDown. It would be awesome to see him return in time to challenge Gunther at The Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment.

Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn has been in search of redemption since his loss to Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber in 2023, so a match with another indomitable champion would make so much sense.

Last year, the 39-year-old was one of the hottest wrestlers on the roster, and he capped off his arc with The Bloodline in the main event of night one of WrestleMania 39. Winning the undisputed tag titles with his best friend and longtime rival, Kevin Owens, was an amazing moment, and the two had a quality reign together.

However, Zayn has seemed directionless since Owens moved back to SmackDown. His recent backstage interviews have been a breath of fresh air and a hint that there is more in store for him in 2024.

On Feb. 5, he revealed that Triple H pulled him aside after his match with Reigns and told him he was Rocky, the ultimate underdog. Like Balboa, the Canadian star went the distance against the champion but didn't win the first time.

Many assume this segment would set up a win at the event this year and a subsequent title match with Seth Rollins. Instead, The Great Liberator failed to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match, and he's right back at square one.

This leaves a showdown with Gunther in play as a gratifying way for him to earn a spot on the WrestleMania card and possibly walk out as the new Intercontinental champion.