Gunther is set to defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk at SummerSlam, taking place in two days at MetLife Stadium. After reclaiming the title from Jey Uso on RAW last month and successfully retaining it against Goldberg earlier this month on Saturday Night’s Main Event, Gunther faces a major challenge against the returning “Best in the World.” The focus keyword Gunther vs CM Punk SummerSlam highlights this highly anticipated clash.
CM Punk’s appearance at SummerSlam marks only his second world title match since returning to WWE in 2023, and he is expected to bring his full skill set and experience to try to defeat Gunther. The match has already garnered intense attention due to the contrasting styles and reputations of the two competitors.
Ilja Dragunov’s Potential Return Adds Unexpected Drama
Adding intrigue to the title bout is the possible return of Ilja Dragunov, a rival with a deeply personal connection to Gunther. Dragunov, known for his fierce battles with Gunther dating back to 2017 in wXw, has been sidelined after suffering a torn ACL during a house show in October of last year. This injury occurred after Gunther aggressively targeted Dragunov during their match, leading to a lengthy absence from in-ring competition for the Russian star.
The animosity between the two runs deep. Gunther, who mocked Dragunov’s injury by saying “Weak things break,” has intensified their feud. Dragunov, who had made a promising start with his main roster debut on RAW before the injury, might make a surprise comeback at SummerSlam. If he returns, he could interfere in the championship match and cost Gunther his title, seeking revenge for the injury and humiliation.
Notably, Dragunov ended Gunther’s 870-day reign as NXT UK Champion in 2021, underscoring the long-standing rivalry between these two elite performers. Their history of multiple brutal encounters has built anticipation for a possible showdown, which may continue beyond SummerSlam and culminate in a high-profile feud at WWE Clash in Paris on August 31, 2025.
Confidence From Gunther and Insight From WWE Veteran Teddy Long
Leading up to SummerSlam, Gunther has expressed strong confidence in his ability to retain the championship. On his Instagram, he posted a video from a WWE arena with a bold caption predicting his victory: “Clean victory.”
However, former SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long offered a contrasting perspective during an interview with Mac Davis on Sportskeeda Wrestling. Long emphasized CM Punk’s veteran status and ring savvy as factors that could tip the scales in Punk’s favor.
“Well, Punk is the in-ring veteran now. He’s done a lot of things, he’s smart, and he knows a lot of tricks. So, I’m looking for Punk to win this one.”
— Teddy Long, Former SmackDown General Manager
Despite Punk’s experience, Gunther remains widely regarded as one of the best in-ring wrestlers globally and a formidable opponent. This clash is shaping up to be a closely contested battle between two top-tier athletes, with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the line at one of the year’s most prominent events.
What Is at Stake and What Lies Ahead After SummerSlam?
The outcome of the Gunther vs CM Punk SummerSlam match could have significant implications for WWE’s title landscape. If Gunther retains, it reinforces his position as a dominant champion following recent successful defenses. Conversely, a Punk victory could mark a new era and highlight his successful comeback.
If Ilja Dragunov returns to impact the match, it could spark a renewed rivalry with Gunther, elevating future storylines, including their potential conflict at WWE Clash in Paris. This unexpected twist could reshape the dynamics around the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and create additional excitement for fans beyond SummerSlam.
As the countdown continues, wrestling enthusiasts will be watching closely to see whether Gunther can overcome both the challenge from CM Punk and the looming threat of Ilja Dragunov’s dramatic comeback at this year’s Biggest Party of The Summer.
