Who’s Gunther Targeting Next in WWE After Retiring AJ Styles?
Gunther has solidified his reputation as a formidable force in WWE. In a dramatic showdown at the Royal Rumble held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he effectively ended AJ Styles’ wrestling career. The crowd witnessed an emotional moment as Styles succumbed to a sleeper hold, reinforcing Gunther’s emerging persona as ‘the career killer.’
Gunther’s Career Kill List
This latest victory adds Styles to a growing list of illustrious wrestlers that Gunther has put into retirement. His previous high-profile retirement came when he forced John Cena to tap out at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in December, a match that sparked considerable debate among fans.
Recent Matches and a Rising Streak
Gunther’s career-killer storyline began with his match against Goldberg in July, where he also used a sleeper hold. Many speculate that WWE may be constructing a similar narrative to The Undertaker’s renowned WrestleMania streak. As Gunther looks forward, the pressing question remains: who will be his next target?
Potential Next Targets for Gunther
- Brock Lesnar: Lesnar is widely reported to be entering his final year of competition. His impending retirement could coincide with a match at SummerSlam in Minneapolis, his hometown.
- Rey Mysterio: The Hall of Famer’s current contract expires later this year. Although he may consider passing the torch to his son, Dominik Mysterio, his age and injury history position him as a candidate for Gunther’s list.
- Sheamus: At 47 years old and contracted until September 2029, Sheamus has expressed his intent to remain active. However, he is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
- CM Punk: Although Gunther previously lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Punk at SummerSlam, the latter has not indicated an impending retirement.
- Shinsuke Nakamura: At 45, Nakamura has ambitions to continue wrestling. However, he may also become a plausible target for Gunther as time progresses.
- Randy Orton: Now performing part-time since his return in November 2023, Orton desires to wrestle into his fifties, making him another likely contender.
- The Miz: Though he has worked less frequently over the past year, The Miz remains keen on continuing his career while balancing personal commitments.
Looking Ahead
Gunther’s interest in retired veteran wrestlers sets the stage for an intriguing plotline. As he seeks to expand his career-kill list, fans will eagerly anticipate who will next face the Ring General in the ring. The potential matchups only add to the excitement surrounding Gunther’s rising persona in WWE.
