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AUSTIN, TEXAS - AUGUST 12: Randy Orton RKOs World Heavyweight Champion Gunther during Monday Night RAW at Moody Center on August 12, 2024 in Austin, Texas.  (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - AUGUST 12: Randy Orton RKOs World Heavyweight Champion Gunther during Monday Night RAW at Moody Center on August 12, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)WWE/Getty Images

Making the Case for Randy Orton to Shock Gunther at WWE Bash in Berlin

Donald WoodAug 18, 2024

When WWE comes to Europe for the company's first PPV and livestreaming event to be held in Germany, Gunther will be tasked with defending his World Heavyweight Championship against future Hall of Famer Randy Orton.

After reportedly re-signing with WWE through 2029, according to Fightful Select, letting the veteran walk out of Germany with the gold would be a major swerve that would send wrestling fans into a tailspin.

Since making his debut with NXT UK, Gunther has been arguably the most protected Superstar on the entire roster. After beating Damien Priest at SummerSlam, his rise to the top of the card has been completed.

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What better way to keep his character fresh than by handing him adversity at a show where the champion has a home-field advantage?

The match between Gunther and Orton has a stipulation added that if the challenger wins, he will be transferred to Raw, while Gunther will be transferred to SmackDown. With Cody Rhodes and the Undisputed WWE Championship likely dominating the blue brand this fall with Reigns' return to television, a change of pace would be best for everyone involved.

And Orton has a legitimate gripe with Walter. Besides the world champion running down the Viper's previous mistakes and dragging the Orton family name through the mud, Orton lost the final of the King of the Ring tournament to Walter, but the former's shoulder was off the mat.

Triple H and WWE Creative have been much better than the previous regime in following up on storyline notes. Not only did the questionable pinfall open the door for the rematch to take place in Germany for the world title, but it also may have set the stage for the Viper to win his 15th world championship.

Orton winning the championship would allow him to instantly take on the role of top dog on Raw, providing the red brand with a stellar cornerstone moving into the January transition to Netflix.

As for SmackDown, Gunther would bolster the blue brand's roster as it prepares to move to the USA Network. The Ring General could eventually go up against Cody Rhodes, taking the title from the American Nightmare and setting the stage for Roman Reigns to win back the belt.

While Gunther is much more than just a transitional champion, a short run with the Undisputed WWE Championship would add more credibility to his character. Losing to a bonafide star like Reigns won't negatively impact his standing with fans, either.

In addition, the interest generated in the product with the shocking outcome would have fans tuning into the weekly programming to find out how and why Gunther lost the title, with ungrounded speculation from the dirtsheets about injuries or backstage drama sure to follow.

It's almost certain that Gunther will successfully retain the World Heavyweight Championship against Orton in Germany, but isn't it wonderful to imagine the pure chaos in the WWE Universe if he were to lose? Chaos reigns.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some language NSFW).

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