Gunther Could Face WWE Legend in Major Return Match

Gunther’s last WWE match was at SummerSlam 2025 on August 2, where he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk, who then lost the title to Seth Rollins via a successful cash-in attempt from the latter. Since then, The Ring General has been recuperating from a serious nose and facial injury, hence the absence.

Recent reports state that he is expected to make his return soon, and thus, the question is, who will be his target when he returns? The obvious answer would be either Seth Rollins or CM Punk since they dethroned him, but WWE veteran Dutch Mantell provided an interesting take on his return angle, suggesting a potential match between Gunther and The Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar.

Gunther Could Face Brock Lesnar After His Return

Speaking on his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, Mantell stated that if Gunther returns and faces Lesnar, it would be a huge money-making match. This is what he said:

I would be interested in seeing Gunther and Lesnar. How’s that sound? It sounds good right off the bat. Well, I think that might work. (16:27)

In the same interview, he also shared his thoughts on Bronson Reed being Lesnar’s next opponent in WWE, but the idea didn’t entice him very much, as he believes the match will not make much money.

I don’t, I don’t feel him. Now, a fan, if a fan is talking, I mean, there’s a lot you got to take that seriously because we’re thinking about it right now. And those two [Gunther and Bron Breakker] popped in my head. Uh, but Bronson Reed, I don’t, I don’t think there’s much uh money behind him at this point.

Lesna’s last appearance was at Wrestlepalooza, where he decimated John Cena. Recent reports have revealed that WWE has planned something massive for The Conqueror for the Royal Rumble 2026 event, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as part of Riyadh Season. It was also revealed that Lesnar is expected to stay off TV until then.