Gunther defeats former champion on SmackDown ahead of his Intercontinental Title match at WrestleMania 39

On the latest edition of WWE SmackDown, Gunther collided with former UK Champion Pete Dunne/Butch in an impromptu match.

Before the bout, there was a contract signing in the ring to make the Intercontinental Championship match at WrestleMania 39 official. The Ring General will defend his title against Sheamus and Drew McIntyre in a triple-threat match at the event.

The Ring General hit Butch with a devastating big boot after the match began on SmackDown, and followed it up with a power slam. The former NXT UK Champion fought back with several chops and locked his opponent in a submission.

The IC Champion powered out of it with a huge suplex. Butch delivered a few punches but was stopped in his tracks. Gunther hit him with multiple chops on the chest.

Butch went for an armbar, but the latter reversed it into a Boston Crab. The Ring General then turned it into a crossface. The Brawling Brutes member tried to snap the champion's fingers but was taken down with another chop.

Butch performed two enzuigiris but was sent across the ring with a suplex. He made a comeback, hitting his opponent with a few kicks. Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and Ridge Holland began brawling at ringside.

Gunther capitalized on the distraction by hitting Butch with The Last Symphony to win the match.

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