WWE is building momentum as it heads toward Survivor Series: WarGames 2024, and the latest episode of RAW brought some significant developments. One of the key announcements was the confirmation of a World Heavyweight Championship match between Damian Priest and Gunther for the premium live event.
Additionally, the Stamford-based promotion has teased the possibility of Gunther turning babyface in the near future. Hints of this shift emerged during the opening segment on RAW, featuring Gunther and Priest. In this exchange, The Archer of Infamy criticized the Imperium leader, questioning his confidence since becoming World Champion.
When Ludwig Kaiser attempted to defend Gunther, The Ring General stopped him and instead berated his teammate. Taking advantage of the chaos, Priest attacked Gunther, leaving the champion visibly shaken and lacking his usual composure. The growing tension between Gunther and Kaiser could lead to a major betrayal, setting the stage for Gunther’s potential babyface turn.
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It’s a common WWE trope for villainous stars to transition into heroic roles after being betrayed by their allies. This was notably seen with Damian Priest himself, who turned face after being betrayed by Finn Balor. Thus, it wouldn’t be surprising if a similar scenario unfolds for The Ring General.
Survivor Series: WarGames could be the perfect venue for such a storyline shift, especially since Gunther and Priest are set to clash for the World Heavyweight Championship. The tension might culminate in Kaiser finally snapping and betraying Gunther during his title defense, accelerating the champion's babyface turn.
Fans will be eager to see how this dynamic plays out at the upcoming PLE, particularly with Gunther struggling to maintain his confidence.
WWE had also planted seeds for Gunther's babyface turn last week
Not only did this week's RAW hint at Gunther's potential babyface turn, but WWE had already begun planting seeds during last week's episode. In a backstage segment, Gunther reflected on his loss to Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel, acknowledging that The American Nightmare was the better man that night.
This marked a significant moment, as it was the first time The Ring General openly admitted that someone was superior to him in the squared circle. Typically, the World Heavyweight Champion has been known to praise only his own in-ring prowess, rarely, if ever, elevating others above himself.
However, this subtle shift in character showing humility and respect for a rival could be a precursor to a full-fledged babyface turn. These developments suggest that WWE is carefully crafting a new direction for Gunther’s character.
Fans will need to stay tuned to the upcoming episodes of WWE RAW to see how this storyline evolves.