6 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE Raw (22 April - Results & Review)

2. Gunther Unburdened

Losing the Intercontinental Championship was always going to be an interesting proposition for Gunther. The longest-reigning IC champ in history had elevated the title and himself during the past two years, but what does he do after losing? Does he “fail upward”? Does he lament and vie for the title again?

Fans got their answer Monday night when the Ring General returned to Raw and spoke about how he had a target on his back for the past 666 days, and now that weight had been lifted off his shoulders, allowing the hunted to become the hunter. Gunther then took a lateral – albeit temporary – path, declaring that he will compete in the upcoming King of the Ring tournament.

KOTR once served as an opportunity to elevate upper mid-card talent that was on the cusp of the main event, such as Bret Hart, Steve Austin, Triple H, Kurt Angle and Edge. Gunther entering – and potentially winning – that tournament would simultaneously elevate a tourney that has long become an afterthought, as well as show that WWE brass is committed to the Ring General.

King of the Ring carries an extra reward, with the winner being able to challenge for any title he likes, which would allow him to become a world title contender overnight or pursue his IC title if he decided. This is a winning decision, as it gives Gunther purpose, direction and a path toward upward mobility without feeling like he failed upward.