Gunther is reportedly struggling with a nose injury ahead of WWE SummerSlam, putting his participation in the upcoming championship match in question. The Austrian star, known as The Ring General, has been a prominent figure on Monday Night RAW and is set to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk at the premium live event tonight.
After recapturing the World Heavyweight title by defeating Jey Uso in June, Gunther recently secured a victory over WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg in the latter’s retirement match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Despite these accomplishments, reports from Dave Meltzer in The Wrestling Observer indicate that Gunther’s nose injury may require him to take some time off following SummerSlam.
“Gunther has a nose issue that may require him to take some time off.” —Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer
Predictions Around Gunther’s Title Defense at SummerSlam
Leading into SummerSlam, there has been speculation about the outcome of the highly anticipated clash between Gunther and CM Punk. Former WWE Superstar Matthew Rehwoldt, previously known as Aiden English, expressed his belief that CM Punk will emerge victorious and claim the World Heavyweight Championship.
“I think it’s Punk. I think this might be the night. Big, big match. It’s hot mania.” —Matthew Rehwoldt, Former WWE Superstar
Conversely, former WWE writer and actor Freddie Prinze Jr. predicted that Gunther will maintain his championship status. On his Wrestling with Freddie podcast, Prinze described Gunther as an “awesome champion” and noted that Punk’s primary objective may be to capture the Undisputed WWE Title rather than the World Heavyweight Championship.
What the Championship Match Means for WWE’s Future
CM Punk has a chance to win his first world championship since returning to WWE earlier this year at SummerSlam 2025. Whether Gunther competes at full strength remains uncertain due to his injury. The stakes are high with a legendary figure like Punk challenging the established Austrian champion.
Gunther’s ongoing storylines on Monday Night RAW have made him a central character in WWE’s landscape, and any absence resulting from his injury could impact forthcoming programming. It also raises questions about the immediate future of the World Heavyweight Championship if he is forced to step away temporarily after SummerSlam.
Additional WWE Storylines Capturing Attention This Summer
Besides the main event involving Gunther and CM Punk, WWE SummerSlam will feature noteworthy developments, including John Cena defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes. Meanwhile, speculation is growing around the possible return of The Rock, who has been absent from WWE for some time, sparking fan interest about his involvement in creative decisions.
In the developmental scene, two NXT superstars are reportedly on the verge of transitioning to WWE’s main roster, signaling promising talent elevations. At the same time, Stephanie McMahon has shared her concerns regarding her husband Triple H, reflecting personal emotions amid the tightly woven WWE storylines.
These narratives, combined with Gunther’s injury situation, make WWE SummerSlam 2025 a pivotal moment for the company and its fanbase as story arcs evolve and new chapters begin.
