Who Can Dethrone the Ring General? Gunther’s Biggest IC Title Threats

After defeating Ricochet at WWE Hell in a Cell, Gunther has held the WWE Intercontinental Championship since June 5th, 2022. At over 300 days and counting, this is the longest Intercontinental title reign since The Honky Tonk Man’s record-setting 454-day rule in the late 1980s.

With WrestleMania season approaching, there is speculation about who could dethrone the dominant Ring General and end his historic championship run. Chad Gable is one of the top contenders emerging as a threat to Gunther’s reign.

Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship reign faces threats from several other hungry challengers. Veterans like Sheamus and Drew McIntyre, have the size and strength to overpower the dominant champion.

Meanwhile, young stars like Madcap Moss and Solo Sikoa are looking for an opportunity to make a name for themselves at Gunther’s expense. With so many wrestlers wanting a shot at the gold, Gunther must be at his best to retain the prestigious Intercontinental title.

1. The Technical Savage Chad Gable

Chad Gable has transformed his character since losing his tag team partner Otis and splitting from Alpha Academy. No longer the chipper coach trying to lead others, Gable has unleashed a vicious technical style that has earned him the nickname “Technical Savage.”

Gable is one of the best pure wrestlers on the WWE roster today. A former Olympic wrestler, he has an amateur style and technical proficiency that makes him a formidable opponent for anyone. Against a technician like Gunther, he may have the tools to counter the Ring General’s hard-hitting offense.

Gable has viciously attacked Gunther’s Imperium allies like Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci; his newfound mean streak and intense focus position him as a rising threat to Gunther’s dominance. A technical wrestling clinic between the two could make for an intriguing title match.

Gable came closer than ever to capturing the gold in a thrilling match against Gunther on SmackDown last month. The savvy veteran managed to escape the Guillotine choke and turned the game into an instant classic that saw him nearly score an upset victory multiple time. It proved that Gable has the grit and determination to hang in with the unstoppable champion.

2. Why is Chad Gable the most likely contender?

A heroic underdog chasing after an unbeatable champion can make for a compelling story in wrestling. Despite his immense wrestling skills, Gable fits the underdog role well against the massively imposing Gunther.

Gable stands at just 5’8″, while the Austrian powerhouse towers over him at 6’4″ and 300+ pounds. Seeing the smaller competitor bravely take on the dominant monster is an age-old narrative in which fans efficiently get invested.

With WrestleMania likely on the horizon, Gable may get another shot at Gunther’s title. Having already proven he can go toe-to-toe with the Ring General, he could pull off the upset if given the chance. Watching the outmatched hero finally triumph over the unstoppable giant to claim the prize would be an iconic WrestleMania moment.

At 37 years old, time may be waiting for Gable to have his big moment as a singles star. He has all the tools to make a believable Intercontinental Champion, from his amateur wrestling credentials to improved promo skills.

Having held tag team gold multiple times, Gable is a consummate veteran who has paid his dues in WWE. We are crowning him as IC Champion, which would validate his journey up the ranks and solidify his lead event talent status. It would also make for a feel-good WrestleMania storyline – the undersized workhorse who never says die finally reaching the pinnacle.

Gable has what it takes technically, physically, and mentally to have a show-stealing match against Gunther on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Their battle could rival the iconic Steamboat vs. Savage IC Title match at WrestleMania III. And who better to play the scrappy Randy Savage underdog role in 2023 than Chad Gable?

3. Is He The Next Big Star?

Handing Chad Gable the prestigious Intercontinental Championship would elevate him to the next level in WWE. It would complete his evolution from happy-go-lucky coach to no-nonsense technical savage.

Gable has all the building blocks – from the amateur pedigree to the character reboot – to potentially emerge as WWE’s next big star. A David vs. Goliath title win over Gunther could be the final push needed to ensure Gable’s place as a top guy on the SmackDown brand.

WWE has the chance to establish a new leading event player heading into WrestleMania season. Building towards Chad Gable finally achieving his wrestling dream by conquering the dominant Ring General would be an inspiring journey for fans to get invested in.

The time may be now for the underrated veteran to receive his long-deserved grand spotlight. By defeating Gunther and holding WWE’s coveted Workhorse Title, Chad Gable could cement his legacy as one of the greatest technical wrestlers of his generation. The next chapter in Gable’s story could see him transformed into a true-blue champion.

4. Who are the contenders who pose an obstacle for Gable?

Of course, Gunther has decimated all challengers thus far and won’t relinquish his belt easily. As Imperium’s leader, he maintains an aura of invincibility that protects the group’s dominance in WWE.

There are other rising contenders also eyeing Gunther’s title. Powerhouses like Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and Braun Strowman could overpower Gable through brute strength alone. Younger upstarts like Madcap Moss and Solo Sikoa are also waiting in the wings for their big break.

5. Sheamus – The Celtic Warrior

Gunther’s most credible challenger to date has been Sheamus. The bruising brawls these two have had, prove that Sheamus can go toe-to-toe with the Ring General’s hard-hitting style. Sheamus even came within a hair of capturing the title on SmackDown before ultimately being put down by Gunther’s rushing offense.

As a 4-time World Champion and highly decorated veteran of WWE, Sheamus has the considerable match experience needed to perform under pressure. The Celtic Warrior won’t be intimidated or rattled by Gunther’s aura of invincibility. Sheamus also has a never-say-die spirit that allows him to absorb immense punishment without quitting.

With his bare-knuckle brawling style and sheer physical power, Sheamus matches up well with Gunther. If given another high-stakes title opportunity, it’s not hard to picture The Celtic Warrior finally battering Gunther into submission and prying away the gold.

6. Drew McIntyre – The Scottish Warrior

As a former WWE Champion and WrestleMania main eventer, Drew McIntyre presents another major threat to Gunther’s reign. McIntyre has made it known he wants to capture the Intercontinental Title as the one belt that has eluded him thus far in his decorated career.

Like Sheamus, McIntyre has the size, strength, and hardcore wrestling style to go blow-for-blow with Gunther. Their potential hard-hitting clashes could be instant classics. McIntyre also has a high-impact finisher in the form of Claymore Kick that could feasibly knock even Gunther off his feet when delivered at full force.

With the crowd behind him and his sights set on championship gold, Drew McIntyre seems destined to collide with the Ring General sooner or later. Their epic battle on a grand stage like WrestleMania would tell an exciting story, with McIntyre attempting to finally complete his title checklist by dethroning the mighty Gunther.

7. Solo Sikoa – The Street Champion

As the rising rookie star of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa may be positioned for a significant push up the card in 2023. He already holds a singles title in the NXT North American Championship. Could the Intercontinental Title be next on the upstart’s hit list?

Sikoa would represent a fresh challenger that Gunther has yet to face. As The Enforcer of The Bloodline, he can absorb incredible punishment but keep fighting thanks to his rugged brawling style. Sikoa is also incredibly tenacious, with an underdog spirit that endears him to fans.

Watching the rookie phenom take on the veteran Ring General could make for a compelling story. Sikoa has all the tools: the strength, strikes, and resilience to credibly take Gunther to the limit. With support from The Bloodline backing him, he could feasibly score the upset and bring the gold to the dominant faction.

8. Madcap Moss – The Upset King

Since splitting from Happy Corbin, Madcap Moss has been gaining traction as a rising singles star. He has become popular with the WWE Universe with his powerhouse athleticism, charisma, and timely humor. Moss has scored several big wins recently, earning himself the nickname “The Upset King.”

Moss’s size, speed, and unpredictable offense could present an intriguing challenge for Gunther. As a relatively new face, he would be a fresh matchup that the Ring General has yet to overcome.

WWE may see enormous potential in the young Madcap Moss. Having him shock the world by defeating the unbeatable Gunther would establish him in the main event scene. It would be an unpredictable twist that could culminate in a star-making moment for the up-and-comer.

9. Conclusion

An ensemble of hungry contenders is waiting in the wings for their opportunity to step up and challenge Gunther for his coveted title. With WrestleMania approaching, any of them could rise to the occasion and achieve the crowning moment of their career.

Gunther’s dominant reign has made him a seemingly unstoppable force in WWE. But established stars like Sheamus and McIntyre know what it takes to conquer a monster champion on the biggest stages. Meanwhile, hungry young talents like Sikoa and Moss seek their breakthrough. And veterans like Gable are ready to realize their underdog championship dreams.

The next chapter of Gunther’s historic Intercontinental Title reign promises exciting matchups and suspenseful action. When it’s time for the Ring General to be dethroned finally, who will be the one to answer the call and etch their name in WWE history? The coming months will reveal which contender is ready to step up to the challenge and shock the world.

10. About WWE

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., doing business as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and various other business ventures.

WWE shows are sports entertainment, featuring story line-driven, scripted, and partially choreographed matches; though including moves that can put performers at risk of injury, even death, if not performed correctly. It was founded in 1953 as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation and is the largest wrestling promotion in the world. It is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.