WWE is going all out for its current European tour. On Saturday, the company held a show in Belfast, Northern Ireland. CM Punk faced Gunther in a match that fans hoped would make it to WrestleMania. However, the match ended without a clear winner, as both men were counted out.
A clip shared by WWE on social media showed CM Punk’s reaction after taking Gunther’s signature chop. Punk fell to the mat, and his expression said everything. Last year, there were rumors that Punk might challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series.
Punk even hinted at this possibility after defeating Drew McIntyre in a strap match at Bash in Berlin. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Some fans are frustrated that Gunther is having WrestleMania-level matches during European live events. Many are excited about the idea of Gunther facing AJ Styles, as they recently had a match that left fans buzzing.
Critics have blamed WWE’s Triple H for mishandling Gunther’s world title reign. Since last August, Gunther has rarely wrestled outside of premium live events. Next month, he faces a tough challenge against the popular Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41 in Allegiant Stadium. The exact night of their match is still unknown.
WWE fans wanted the Gunther vs. CM Punk match; not at a Belfast live show though
The online reactions to Gunther vs. CM Punk taking place at a house show are, unsurprisingly, divided. Many fans believe this match deserved to be the world title bout at WrestleMania or even the main event of night one. Some feel it was a missed opportunity for a high-stakes showdown on a grander stage.
A user joked that Gunther’s infamous chop was so powerful it sent Punk straight to All Elite Wrestling. Meanwhile, a few hopeful fans speculate that Punk’s untelevised match against the reigning World Heavyweight Champion could hint at an upcoming feud. However, this seems improbable given the current storyline direction.
Gunther is expected to lose to The Yeet Master at WrestleMania, which would be a crowd-pleasing moment for the diverse audience. Yet, the idea of Uso potentially holding the world title has left many fans uneasy. The possibility of such a reign has sparked concern among the wrestling community.