Why Gunther should move to WWE SmackDown after his return?

The Ring General has been absent from WWE Programming since SummerSlam.

Former World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther, has been absent from WWE programming since his title loss to CM Punk during the main event of Night 1 of SummerSlam 2025. The Ring General’s second World Heavyweight title reign ended with a loss at 54 days.

He was written off TV after the match, as the former Champion was dealing with a legitimate nose injury going into the match. Per WWE, he suffered a “septal hematoma and orbital blowout fracture,” which has led to him being out indefinitely. 

However, with reports of Gunther being the final opponent for John Cena at the December edition of SNME, there are rumblings of his return. Here, we discuss the possibility of him moving to the Blue brand upon his eventual return.

Friday Night SmackDown has only a handful of stars

Friday Night SmackDown is one of the WWE brands that has received severe backlash and is facing a downfall in ratings. Among bad storytelling and a lack of creative vision, the brand also lacks superstars, something that is very evident in almost every title featured on the brand.

The Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes, United States Champion Ilja Dragunov (who took over from Sami Zayn), and WWE Tag Team Champions The Wyatt Sicks are in a better position as they each have different opponents to face and new feuds to pursue.

In contrast, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton has repeatedly feuded with Nia Jax and has also faced Jade Cargill several times, limiting the variety in her

With the absence of Bianca Belair due to injury, Stratton has nowhere to go as she ends up feuding with the same stars whom she has defeated previously. The Women’s United States Champion, Giulia, and her current trajectory are the most affected by the lack of storylines and stars. The title still has not been defended on any WWE PLE.

Nevertheless, the recent addition of stars like Sami Zayn and Ilja Dragunov has provided a much-needed boost to the mid-card title. WWE can also call up stars from NXT to boost the women’s division. Similarly, Gunther’s move to SmackDown would only help the Blue brand.

The Ring General could add new titles to his collection

Gunther has already captured the World Heavyweight Championship as well as the Intercontinental Championship, having two dominant runs with both titles. His move to SmackDown will give him a chance to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship and the United States Championship.

Winning the two titles on the Blue brand would add to his title collection while boosting his legacy. Gunther also has the option to reignite his feud with multiple stars that are currently on the Blue brand, including Cody Rhodes, Ilja Dragunov, and Sami Zayn, among others.

The Ring General would also inject some much-needed star power into the Blue brand. He can also welcome new additions from NXT to the Blue brand, elevating them into superstars.

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