Gunther Wins World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – When WWE travels to Germany later this month for Bash in Berlin, Gunther can defend his newly won title.
Gunther defeated Damian Priest at SummerSlam, becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion. Like Nia Jax with her Queen of the Ring victory, Gunther–who is the reigning King of the Ring–added more credibility to the crown with his title victory.
WHY FINN WHY?!#SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/U4LCYuhUhu
— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2024
Priest worked the match as a babyface, and he had the crowd behind him. That will open up new opportunities for him moving forward, especially considering he is no longer champion. And with Judgement Day collapsing–Dom Mysterio turned on Rhea Ripley earlier in the night–Finn Balor added further complications by putting Gunther’s foot on the rope, costing Priest the win.
The Judgment Day has IMPLODED!#SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/abJm0MOnwq
— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2024
The closing sequence came immediately after Priest realized he’d been sabotaged by his friend. A rear naked choke put Priest to sleep–in classic babyface fashion, he never tapped, but instead passed out–and put the belt around Gunther’s waist.
One of the most elite professional wrestlers in the world, Gunther now has his chance to redefine the top of the card in WWE.