## GUNTHER Expected to Return to WWE Programming Soon
Former two-time World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER is anticipated to return to WWE programming in the near future, according to a report from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.### Recent Injury and absence
GUNTHER has been absent from WWE television since early August after sustaining multiple injuries following his match against CM Punk at SummerSlam. WWE announced he would be out indefinitely following the bout.
### Championship History
Before his injury, GUNTHER enjoyed a triumphant summer, capturing the World Heavyweight Championship on June 9th in a match against Jey Uso on *Monday Night Raw* via technical submission. He successfully defended the title on July 12th at Saturday Night’s Main Event XL, defeating Goldberg in a match billed as Goldberg’s retirement match. WWE officially confirmed Goldberg’s retirement following the match.
His second reign as World Heavyweight Champion lasted 54 days before being defeated by CM Punk on Night 1 of SummerSlam on August 2nd. GUNTHER previously held the World Heavyweight Championship from SummerSlam 2024, defeating Seth Rollins, for an impressive 273 days. During that reign, he defended the title against Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and Damian Priest before losing it back to Rollins at WrestleMania 41. WWE’s official website details the WrestleMania 41 match.
### Record-Breaking Intercontinental Championship Reign
prior to his world heavyweight Championship success, GUNTHER held the WWE Intercontinental Championship for a record-breaking 666 days. This surpassed The Honky Tonk Man’s 35-year-old record, making him the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWE history. WWE documented GUNTHER breaking the record. During his intercontinental Championship reign, he faced opponents including Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and Chad Gable.GUNTHER’s impending return is anticipated to significantly impact the World Heavyweight Championship landscape. Further details regarding his return date and potential storylines are expected to be announced by WWE in the coming weeks.