SummerSlam 2024 is set to take place on August 23rd, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio, and the match for the World Heavyweight Championship has already been determined. The Ring General Gunther will take on the WHC Damian Priest for Priest’s title at the Biggest Party of the Summer.
Gunther earned this opportunity after winning the 2024 King of the Ring by destroying each opponent that came his way. His record-setting Intercontinental Championship reign has led to many fans believe that he is deserving of the world title and that he can raise its prestige.
In the summer of 2022, Gunther had just made his debut on the main roster, and just two years later it seems as if he’s bound to become a world champion.
Intercontinental Championship Reign
Just weeks after his Smackdown debut, Gunther was granted a WWE Intercontinental Championship match against then-champion Ricochet. Little did anyone know, this would go on to become the longest IC title reign of all time. Not only that, but he also broke the record for most combined days as IC Champion despite only holding the title one time.
Gunther held the Intercontinental title for a record-breaking 666 days before losing it at WrestleMania 40 to Sami Zayn. During his reign, he defeated multiple top stars such as Drew McIntyre, Chad Gable, Braun Strowman, and Sheamus. Many of these matches were considered classics and had transcended Gunther into one of the best in-ring workers in the eyes of the fans.
This reign elevated the Intercontinental title so much that at some points Gunther felt like the most important champion on Monday Night Raw. This led to many fans hoping for the thought of the Ring General becoming world champion one day, and that could very well happen at SummerSlam 2024.
King of the Ring 2024
Gunther was able to earn this world title opportunity after making his way through the King of the Ring 2024 tournament. He was the first official participant in the tournament after declaring for it on April 22nd.
His first-round matchup was a rematch against Sheamus, a hard-hitting match that lasted over 20 minutes. Gunther ended up winning the match by making The Celtic Warrior tap out. He then went on to face Kofi Kingston and Jey Uso, both men who put up valiant efforts but were also forced to submit to the Ring General.
The finals were set between Gunther and Randy Orton, easily the greatest challenge for Gunther throughout this tournament. Still, The Ring General was able to defeat the future Hall of Famer in just over 20 minutes with a roll-up. This win resulted in Gunther becoming the new King of the Ring and also granted him a world title shot at SummerSlam.
New Champion Crowned?
