4 Challengers for Gunther if he wins the Undisputed WWE Championship

Gunther is on the verge of making history once again. The Ring General is set to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash in Italy. Many fans believe the company could pull the trigger on another dominant title reign for the Austrian powerhouse.

The former Intercontinental Champion has already cemented himself as one of the most dangerous competitors of the modern era. Hence, a victory over Rhodes would instantly reshape the SmackDown landscape.

If Gunther captures the Undisputed WWE Championship, Triple H and his creative team will need credible challengers ready to step up immediately. Fortunately, the company has several major stars who could produce compelling rivalries with The Ring General over the coming months.

That said, in this article, we look at four challengers for Gunther if he wins the Undisputed WWE Championship.

#4. Royce Keys

Royce Keys has quietly emerged as one of WWE’s fastest-rising stars in 2026. Despite still being relatively new to the main event scene, the young superstar has already shared the ring with several top names. He has continued to gain momentum on SmackDown.

Also, the company has teased bigger opportunities for Keys in recent months. He even faced Gunther on the blue brand to determine Cody Rhodes’ next challenger at Clash in Italy. Although he fell short, he delivered a solid performance.

Now, if The Ring General wins the Undisputed WWE Championship at the upcoming event, there is every possibility that Royce Keys would challenge him for the gold. This would open the door for a proper feud between the two powerhouses on SmackDown.

However, given the outcome of their first encounter, Gunther could repeatedly dismiss Keys as inexperienced and unworthy of sharing the ring with him again. Meanwhile, the former AEW standout would attempt to prove that he belongs in the main event scene by surviving The Career Killer’s brutal offense.

WWE has used similar booking in the past to elevate younger stars, and Gunther’s hard-hitting style naturally creates sympathy for babyface challengers. Even in defeat, Royce Keys could benefit enormously from a competitive championship match against The Ring General.

At the same time, if WWE truly believes Keys is the future, the company could use the rivalry to fully establish him as a top-tier competitor. A star-making performance against Gunther might be enough to turn him into a permanent main event player.

#3. Cody Rhodes

If Gunther defeats Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy, there is almost no chance The American Nightmare will simply walk away from the championship picture. Rhodes has spent the last several years positioned as the face of the company. Hence, losing the Undisputed WWE Championship would likely push him into an intense redemption story.

A rematch between Cody Rhodes and The Ring General could easily headline another premium live event later this summer. WWE has already invested heavily in Cody’s title reign. Hence, the company could extend the rivalry through controversial finishes, outside interference, or even personal attacks.

Also, Gunther and The American Nightmare both possess excellent in-ring chemistry. Their styles contrast perfectly. Cody Rhodes relies on resilience and emotion. Meanwhile, The Ring General focuses on precision and destruction. That dynamic would make a second encounter feel just as important as the first.

There is also the possibility of WWE telling a larger long-term story here. Cody has constantly battled adversity throughout his career. Hence, another setback could eventually lead to an even bigger triumph down the road.

The company has repeatedly portrayed Rhodes as a superstar who refuses to stay down. Hence, chasing The Career Killer for the Undisputed WWE Title for months could strengthen his character even further.

Additionally, The Ring General defeating The American Nightmare more than once would elevate the new champion to another level entirely. Beating Rhodes cleanly would already be massive. However, surviving multiple encounters with WWE’s top babyface would make Gunther feel nearly unstoppable.

#2. Randy Orton

Randy Orton remains one of the biggest threats on SmackDown. The Viper has already been heavily involved in the Undisputed WWE Championship picture in 2026. He even challenged Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 after winning the Elimination Chamber match earlier this year, but fell short.

A rivalry between Orton and The Career Killer feels inevitable because both men thrive on psychological warfare and calculated brutality. Unlike many babyfaces who would attempt to overpower The Ring General emotionally, Orton would likely approach the feud with pure mind games and veteran manipulation.

The storyline possibilities are endless. Gunther may view Randy Orton as a legend past his prime. Meanwhile, The Viper could respond by targeting the champion with vicious sneak attacks and RKOs out of nowhere.

However, the biggest attraction would be the in-ring aspect of the feud. Orton’s slower, methodical offense would mesh perfectly with The Ring General’s punishing technical style. Their matches could look strategic rather than traditional WWE main events.

There is also the question of legacy. Gunther has already defeated several legendary names during his rise, including John Cena and AJ Styles. Defeating Randy Orton would further cement him as the defining monster of this generation.

On the other hand, WWE could decide to give Orton one final world title reign. The veteran superstar remains incredibly popular. Hence, a championship feud with The Ring General would instantly feel premium.

#1. Drew McIntyre could challenge Gunther

Drew McIntyre should be Gunther’s biggest challenger if The Ring General wins the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The Scottish Warrior already has an extensive history in the championship picture after defeating Cody Rhodes earlier this year to capture the title himself. Even after losing the championship, The Scottish Warrior has continued to be portrayed as one of WWE’s most dangerous competitors.

More importantly, Gunther vs. McIntyre feels like a genuine heavyweight dream match. Both men are known for their physicality, intensity, and no-nonsense presentation. Unlike many WWE rivalries that focus heavily on entertainment segments, this feud could revolve almost entirely around violence and competition.

Fans have wanted to see an extended program between the two for a long time. Hence, every confrontation between Gunther and McIntyre would feel important. Perhaps because they are presented as equals capable of destroying anyone in their path.

Also, the promos would be outstanding. Drew McIntyre excels when portraying an angry, obsessed competitor. Meanwhile, The Ring General’s calm arrogance makes him one of the most believable champions in wrestling today.

WWE could even frame the rivalry around pride and dominance. McIntyre may believe that he should be the next Undisputed WWE Champion and not Gunther. On the other hand, the latter could argue that Drew lacks the discipline required to stay on top.

Most importantly, The Scottish Warrior is credible enough to realistically dethrone The Ring General. That unpredictability would make the rivalry significantly more compelling than many traditional title feuds.

If WWE wants The Career Killer’s title reign to feel legendary, then Drew McIntyre should absolutely be one of his defining challengers.