In a night of royal rumbling and regal wrestling, GUNTHER ascended to the throne as WWE’s 2024 King of the Ring, toppling the legendary Randy Orton in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With this victory, the former Intercontinental Champion now sets his sights on the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam on August 3.
The match began like a cautious chess game, with both wrestlers meticulously feeling each other out. Orton, demonstrating his veteran prowess, locked GUNTHER in a seemingly unbreakable side headlock. However, “The Ring General” flexed his mighty chops, targeting Orton’s chest and sending thunderous echoes through the arena.
Orton, ever the strategist, attempted his signature RKO but fell short, clutching his surgically repaired lower back. This gave GUNTHER the perfect opportunity to zero in on Orton’s weak spot. With a splash that could flatten a pancake, GUNTHER brought the pain, though Orton managed to surprise everyone with a sudden RKO from out of nowhere. Despite the dramatic move, Orton missed his window for a pin, allowing GUNTHER to roll out and regroup.
In a flurry of fury, Orton slammed GUNTHER onto the announce desk thrice, showcasing his relentless determination. After narrowly avoiding a count-out, both gladiators returned to the ring where GUNTHER ensnared Orton in a half-Boston crab, aggravating a knee injury previously inflicted by the Bloodline.
With a final gasp of defiance, Orton landed a second RKO, aiming for a decisive pin. Yet, in a twist befitting a royal coronation, GUNTHER countered with a pin of his own, securing the crown and the victory.