Former WWE manager Dutch Mantell pulled no punches as he delved into the seismic impact of CM Punk’s return on the current:
In a recent episode of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s SmackTalk podcast, former WWE manager Dutch Mantell pulled no punches as he delved into the seismic impact of CM Punk’s return on the current Intercontinental Champion, Gunther. Mantell, known for his outspoken nature, expressed his views on how the unexpected return of The Best in the World has potentially altered the trajectory of Gunther’s run in the Stamford-based promotion.
Since his return at Survivor Series: WarGames last year, CM Punk has become an exclusive member of Monday Night RAW, injecting a surge of excitement into the WWE Universe. His announcement of participating in this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble Match has elevated the stakes, with The Straight Edge Superstar emerging as a frontrunner for the coveted victory.
Mantell, acknowledging Punk’s status as a dark horse in WWE’s grand scheme, didn’t shy away from speculating on the possible repercussions for Gunther. The former manager suggested that the plans WWE had in store for the current Intercontinental Champion may have been inadvertently pushed back due to Punk’s unforeseen return. This revelation sparked a heated discussion among wrestling enthusiasts about the creative direction WWE is taking with its talent.
“Where is Gunther in all of this? I think that’s the jewel they have sitting over there,” Dutch Mantell said. [25:14 – 25:19]
Despite the potential setback, Mantell passionately advocated for a blockbuster showdown between Gunther and Roman Reigns. The wrestling veteran passionately expressed his desire to witness a clash between the current Intercontinental Champion and the Tribal Chief, creating a buzz among fans who yearn for epic matchups that transcend the boundaries of ordinary storylines.
As the WWE landscape continues to evolve, the tension surrounding Gunther’s trajectory and CM Punk’s resurgence builds. The unpredictability injected into the narrative has fans on the edge of their seats, eager to witness how these two dynamic forces will collide or coexist within the squared circle.
“The later they wait, if you fail, you at least get a year out of it. But he’s (Gunther) not gonna fail. If he goes through a year, he’ll stay over because he has that vibe about him, and I would actually love to see Gunther vs. Roman,” Dutch Mantell said. [25:49 – 26:05]
In a dramatic turn of events, Gunther’s conspicuous absence from RAW in recent weeks has left the WWE Universe buzzing with anticipation and concern. During this hiatus, the fiery emergence of Ludwig Kaiser has set the stage ablaze, reaching its pinnacle this Monday on RAW when he unleashed a relentless assault on Kofi Kingston, seizing the opportunity that arose after Kofi’s earlier altercation with the sidelined Giovanni Vinci. The intensity of the showdown left fans at the edge of their seats, and now, the burning question remains: how will Gunther respond to this new challenge? With the 2024 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event on the horizon, emotions run high as the anticipation for Gunther’s return and the impending clash with the formidable Ludwig Kaiser intensifies, promising a showdown that could redefine the landscape of RAW and set the stage for an unforgettable Royal Rumble event.
