5 Wrestlers Who Could Defeat GUNTHER For The WWE Intercontinental Championship (& 5 Who Shouldn't)

GUNTHER is on the verge of a record-breaking reign as the WWE Intercontinental Champion. After already smashing the record for longest time spent in a Royal Rumble match, he is looking to add another enormous feat to his WWE career. As much as fans are looking forward to his reign continuing, there is also a lot of talk of how and when he will drop the gold.

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There are numerous names up and down the roster who both should and shouldn’t be the one to dethrone him. After such a dominant reign, WWE needs to think carefully about who the person should be to get the big rub from outlasting this monster.

10 Should: Sami Zayn

Fans were desperate for Sami Zayn to overpower Roman Reigns and win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, but with that looking out of the question, then down the line he could be rewarded with a different title.

Zayn has proven himself to be a phenomenal underdog, and seeing him overcome GUNTHER would be sure to create a classic moment. Zayn feels like he is someone who would be perfect for the Intercontinental Title, especially after promising albeit short reigns a couple years ago.

9 Shouldn’t: Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes looks set to become the next WWE Champion, and when looking at any future clashes between Rhodes and GUNTHER, it should be the Austrian beating Rhodes for the world title.

Rhodes going into the midcard scene after such a promising main event run would feel like a step back, and seeing him conquer a monster like GUNTHER would scream of him constantly overcoming the odds in AEW - something which eventually became tiresome. Rhodes holding the Intercontinental Title might be good in a few years, but right now he should focus solely on the top prize.

8 Should: Big E

There is still no timeframe on a Big E return after he suffered from a broken neck, however if and when he returns, being the one to overcome GUNTHER would be a great way to make a comeback.

Big E’s last Intercontinental Title reign was a little underwhelming, so he should get the chance to rectify that when he comes back, before potentially also redeeming his poor WWE Title run too down the line.

7 Shouldn’t: Bobby Lashley

WWE likes pitting big men against each other, so it feels like at some point fans will see GUNTHER vs. Bobby Lashley. However, despite Lashley getting a lot of title success in recent years, he should certainly not be the one to beat GUNTHER.

As good as Lashley still is, either someone younger or someone who has never won the gold should be the one to defeat him when the time comes.

6 Should: Ilja Dragunov

In NXT UK, Ilja Dragunov had GUNTHER’s number. Although a transition to the main roster could be difficult for Dragunov, feuding with and defeating GUNTHER would be one hell of a way to make a name for himself on Raw or SmackDown.

Introducing him as someone who GUNTHER’s fears or is uncertain about defeating could add a lot of credibility to Dragunov before he even steps foot in the ring. He would no doubt be a great workhorse champion too.

5 Shouldn’t: Bray Wyatt

Bray Wyatt’s WWE return has been a let down for the most part. After a promising comeback, things have gone a little wayward and gotten far too silly.

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There would no doubt be some huge backlash if Wyatt is the one to defeat GUNTHER, especially as it would likely come with spooky shenanigans and interference from Uncle Howdy. Wyatt is someone who doesn’t need a belt, and certainly not the Intercontinental Title.

4 Should: Bron Breakker

Although Bron Breakker’s time as NXT Champion has gotten a little stale in recent months, he is still someone who is primed for some huge success in the future.

Whenever he moves up to the main roster, which should really be very soon, he could be built up to be the man to defeat GUNTHER. Having a new name come in and score a big win like that could be an early star-making moment for Breakker’s main roster career.

3 Shouldn’t: Karrion Kross

Karrion Kross’ return to WWE hasn’t been as good as many would have hoped. With how he is being booked right now, Triple H should not try and rectify it with a cheap win of the Intercontinental Title.

If built right, Kross could be much higher up the card, but that doesn’t look like it’ll happen for the foreseeable future, so he should not be the one to beat GUNTHER at all. Even if GUNTHER turns babyface, he shouldn’t be losing to someone like Kross.

2 Should: Sheamus

Even though Sheamus is older than some others on the roster, the story of him not winning the Intercontinental Championship and not being able to defeat GUNTHER has provided the perfect set-up for a massive victory at some point, and it would be the best storybook ending for this feud.

Back at Clash at the Castle, these two stole the show in a match of the year contender, and seeing a rematch followed up by a Sheamus victory would be fantastic, and a much deserved reward for being one of the most underrated performers on the roster.

1 Shouldn’t: Brock Lesnar

There has been talk of a GUNTHER vs. Brock Lesnar match, but if it ends up happening then there should be only one result - a GUNTHER victory.

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Seeing Lesnar beat GUNTHER and win the workhorse title just feels wrong, especially when he looks to be in the final stretch of his professional wrestling career. It would feel like an undoing of all the hard work to build up the champion if he ends up falling to Lesnar.