WWE Scrapped Blockbuster SummerSlam Plans For Gunther
The SummerSlam plans that WWE had for Gunther have changed.
Former 2-time WWE World Champion Gunther moved over from SmackDown to Raw a few months ago and was immediately put into a WWE Championship feud with Cody Rhodes.
Gunther had multiple opportunities to beat Rhodes, but he failed to do so. At Night of Champions, during a triple threat match with Gunther, Rhodes, and Sami Zayn, it was Zayn emerging as the Undisputed WWE Champion after he pinned Rhodes, following a spot where Rhodes hit a Cross Rhodes on Gunther and Zayn at the same time.
On the Night of Champions post-show, Gunther got in the face of SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and put his hands on him, calling him a failed wrestler and claiming that he’s jealous of the Ring General. Aldis had had enough of Gunther’s actions and shoved him back. After more words were exchanged, Gunther and Aldis were separated.
In the storyline, Michael Cole announced on Raw that Aldis had been placed on administrative leave.
“We have an update on the situation. This is an official statement from WWE headquarters. General Manager of SmackDown Nick Aldis and Gunther have been sent home because of the situation. Also Nick Aldis has been placed on adminstrative leave pending further investigation, so RAW General Manager Adam Pearce will run both RAW and SmackDown for the time being.”
It is believed that the direction for the Gunther-Aldis story is for them to have a match at SummerSlam on August 1 & 2 in Minneapolis. If it happens, it would be Aldis’ first WWE match and his first match since he joined WWE three years ago. Aldis is an accomplished wrestler with 20 years of experience and a former NWA & TNA World Champion, so he’s obviously capable in the ring.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE’s previous plan for Gunther at SummerSlam was a match with Royce Keys.
During his time on SmackDown so far, newcomer Royce Keys has interacted with Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa in various segments. On the July 3rd SmackDown, Keys spoke to Fatu about how they weren’t blood, but they were so close that they were like family, yet Fatu would rather be loyal to the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, and his family instead.
Gunther Wants To Retire WWE Legend
Over the last year, the former World Champion Gunther has had massive career moments by beating legendary superstars like Bill Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles in their final matches. It has led to Gunther being called the “Career Killer” for his ability to finish someone off when they appear ready to call it a career.
Another WWE legend, the 48-year-old future Hall of Famer Sheamus, is someone Gunther wants to retire, according to recent comments from the Ring General.
“The thing is, Brock is for publicity; he’s perfect. But Sheamus? It’s a personal matter that I want to retire him. On the main roster, Sheamus was my first really, really big opponent, and he made my life hell. He beat me up a lot. So he made me earn it. So I hope I can kick his a** on the way out.”
Also Read: Gunther Stuns Everyone With A Big WWE Confession: “It’s A Struggle”