Top WWE Star Is Out Of Action Indefinitely
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
WWE has announced that the former World Heavyweight Champion, GUNTHER, is out of action indefinitely. The announcement was made on the August 4th episode of Monday Night Raw, just two days after he lost his title in the main event of SummerSlam Night One.
On the broadcast, commentator Michael Cole provided a storyline explanation for the former champion's upcoming absence. The on-screen injury is being used to write "The Ring General" off of television.
Cole just announced Gunther will be out indefinitely because of an orbital fracture.pic.twitter.com/F0H8dkRdbh — Julian Weeks (@JulianWks) August 5, 2025
A Brutal Diagnosis For GUNTHER
Michael Cole stated to the television audience that during his match with CM Punk at SummerSlam, GUNTHER suffered a septal hematoma and an orbital blowout fracture. These severe-sounding facial injuries are the official storyline reason why he will be away from WWE programming.
The on-air announcement provides a kayfabe explanation for the bloody nose GUNTHER was shown with at the conclusion of the SummerSlam main event.
WWE Blending Fact And Fiction
This storyline injury appears to be a masterful way to write GUNTHER off television so he can undergo a legitimate medical procedure. It was previously reported by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer that the bloody finish at SummerSlam was a planned angle. The purpose was to provide cover for GUNTHER to have legitimate nose surgery in the near future.
By creating a severe storyline injury, WWE is able to protect the aura of the nearly unbeatable "Ring General," even in defeat. The narrative suggests he lost his title while battling through serious fractures, making him look incredibly tough.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: A general stadium view during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: A general stadium view during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
The End Of A Dominant WWE Era
GUNTHER's time off comes at the end of one of the most dominant runs in modern WWE history. Before winning the World Heavyweight Championship, he held the Intercontinental Championship for a record-breaking 666 days, a reign that is widely credited with restoring prestige to the title. His hard-hitting, physical style has made him one of the most respected and feared in-ring performers in the world.
His loss to CM Punk at SummerSlam was a massive moment, and it was immediately followed by chaos. Seth Rollins, revealing his own recent injury was a work, successfully cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on Punk to become the new World Heavyweight Champion. GUNTHER's absence now clears the way for the new feud between Rollins and Punk to take center stage on Raw.
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