The King of the Ring showdown between Randy Orton and Gunther has sparked discussions in the wrestling community regarding the validity of Gunther’s win. The contest, which spanned about 20 minutes, concluded in dispute as Gunther was announced as the victor even though Orton’s shoulders were clearly elevated during the pinfall. This choice has prompted extensive speculation and discussion among fans and wrestling insiders.
The Controversial Finish
As the match neared its climax, Gunther attempted a pinfall on Orton. Despite Orton’s shoulders being clearly off the mat, the referee completed the count and awarded the victory to Gunther. This controversial finish was immediately addressed by WWE’s Chief Content Officer, who acknowledged seeing Orton’s raised shoulders but affirmed that the referee’s decision is final. However, he also hinted at a potential rematch to settle the dispute definitively.
Many people are now wondering if the contentious ending was an unintentional mistake or a planned element of the plot. Eric Bischoff, a previous WWE General Manager, shared his viewpoint on the matter, indicating that the conclusion was scripted.
Eric Bischoff’s Take on the Controversial Finish
During a recent installment of his podcast, “83 Weeks,” Eric Bischoff discussed his thoughts on the controversy. Bischoff, a seasoned figure in the wrestling world, shared his conviction that the ending was deliberate and a component of a broader story. He claimed that a wrestler as skilled as Randy Orton would not make such errors.
“Randy doesn’t make mistakes like that. That’s not a Randy Orton mistake. I firmly believe it was part of a plan; it was part of the process. It’s just more depth to a great story. It’s just more for Gunther to get over on,” Bischoff stated, as quoted by Wrestling Inc.
They have a built in rematch between Gunther and Randy Orton in their back pocket because of the controversial finish. A match that most people would love to see again at any point in the future.
— KJ 🤠 (@HangmanKJ) May 25, 2024
Bischoff emphasized that the controversial finish provided a compelling reason for a rematch, adding more layers to the storyline between Orton and Gunther. “Now you’ve got a reason, a why, which is an important part of a story. You’ve got to have a why in order to have a match that matters. Now, they’ve got a why. Because Randy is so flawless and that would be such a rookie mistake, there’s no way I’m going to accept that it was ‘Well, it happened,’” Bischoff elaborated.
The Future of Orton vs. Gunther
While Triple H has hinted at a future rematch, no specific date has been announced. The King of the Ring winner traditionally earns a title shot at Summer Slam, scheduled for August 2024. This raises the stakes for Gunther, who will have his title shot, although it remains unclear whether he will face Damian Priest or Drew McIntyre.
Based on the current storyline, it is likely that Orton and Gunther could have another confrontation before SummerSlam, potentially at the WWE Clash at the Castle event on June 15, 2024. This occasion could be the ideal platform for the two opponents to resolve their conflicts and bring a conclusive conclusion to their intense competition.
The Impact on WWE Storylines
The disputed outcome involving Orton and Gunther has not just sparked discussion but also added to the developing plot. It has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans, who are eager to witness the progression of the story. WWE has managed to keep the audience interested and committed to the characters’ development by incorporating controversial elements.
Gunther’s win, while being questioned, has strengthened his reputation as a strong contender in WWE. The controversy further enhances Orton’s character, depicting him as an experienced warrior who remains a formidable presence. The possible rematch between the two is expected to be a crucial meeting, anticipated to attract a large amount of attention and viewers.
