Gunther WWE: Historic Intercontinental Reign Sets New Record and Shocks Fans

World Heavyweight Champion Gunther may be heading into WWE SummerSlam 2025 less than 100 percent. Multiple outlets report that the Austrian powerhouse suffered a legitimate nose injury during last week’s SmackDown dark-match and has been working through discomfort ever since. Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that the injury could require post-event time off, forcing WWE to rethink creative plans for the fall tour. Despite the setback, current internal rundowns still list Gunther vs. CM Punk as the Night 1 main event at MetLife Stadium, with the World Heavyweight Title on the line. Sources inside the company told Cultaholic that officials have prepared “two finishes”: one that keeps the belt on Gunther if he’s cleared to continue, and an emergency scenario that pivots the championship to Punk should medical staff advise rest. Fans noticed extra ringside trainers during Gunther’s brief appearance on RAW this Monday, and the champion was strategically kept out of physical contact. Still, he cut a fiery promo promising to “chop the Straight-Edge Messiah back to Chicago,” an indication that WWE aims to preserve the match’s big-fight aura even amid uncertainty. If the 36-year-old needs surgery, he would likely miss September’s Clash at the Castle in Glasgow—a blow to European ticket sales, as Gunther was advertised for his first televised U.K. title defense. WWE has quietly removed him from some October house-show marketing, fueling speculation that extended recovery time is on the table. Historically, WWE has booked sudden title changes when champions get hurt (see Finn Bálor’s 2016 Universal reign). Should Punk capture gold, insiders expect a rematch once Gunther is medically cleared, potentially headlining Survivor Series in Indianapolis. For now, the champion’s status remains “day-to-day.” Expect a definitive update during Friday’s go-home SmackDown, where WWE medical personnel will evaluate his condition after one final workout. Until then, the Ring General’s record-breaking reign hangs in the balance—and so does the outcome of one of the most anticipated matches of the year.