At WrestleMania XL on April 6, 2024, Sami Zayn achieved a monumental victory by dethroning Gunther to become the new Intercontinental Champion. This match not only ended Gunther’s historic 666-day reign but also marked Zayn’s fourth time holding the prestigious title.
Background and Build-Up
Leading up to WrestleMania XL, Gunther had established himself as a dominant force in WWE, maintaining an iron grip on the Intercontinental Championship. His reign, which began on June 10, 2022, saw him surpass The Honky Tonk Man’s longstanding record of 454 consecutive days as champion.
nodereport.bleacherreport.com Throughout his tenure, Gunther defeated top-tier challengers such as Jey Uso, Chad Gable, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre.
Sami Zayn, a former Intercontinental Champion, earned his shot at the title by winning a grueling gauntlet match on Raw. He overcame formidable opponents including Bronson Reed, JD McDonagh, Ricochet, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Chad Gable to secure his place at WrestleMania.
wwe.com This victory set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between Zayn and Gunther, with fans eager to see if Zayn could replicate his previous WrestleMania success when he and Kevin Owens ended The Usos’ historic tag team title reign.
The Match: Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
The atmosphere was electric as both competitors made their entrances, with Zayn’s wife, Khadijah, seated in the front row, providing emotional support.
fightful.com The match commenced with Zayn utilizing his agility and quickness, delivering rapid chops and punches to Gunther. However, the champion’s sheer power soon shifted the momentum, as he unleashed his signature thunderous chops, sending Zayn crashing to the mat.
Despite the onslaught, Zayn showcased his resilience, countering Gunther’s moves and executing a half-and-half suplex. The intensity escalated when Zayn attempted his trademark Helluva Kick, only to be met with a devastating dropkick and powerbomb from Gunther, resulting in a near fall.
The turning point came when Gunther ascended the turnbuckles for a high-risk maneuver. Zayn seized the opportunity, delivering a Helluva Kick to the perched champion, followed by a brainbuster off the ropes. With Gunther reeling, Zayn capitalized with successive Helluva Kicks, ultimately securing the three-count and the Intercontinental Championship.
Aftermath and Significance
The victory was met with an eruption of cheers from the Philadelphia crowd, as Zayn celebrated with his wife at ringside.
fightful.com This win not only ended Gunther’s record-setting reign but also solidified Zayn’s status as a top-tier performer capable of overcoming insurmountable odds.
Gunther’s 666-day tenure as Intercontinental Champion will be remembered as one of the most dominant in WWE history. His ability to elevate the title and deliver compelling matches against a variety of opponents has cemented his legacy. Conversely, Zayn’s triumph adds another chapter to his storied career, highlighting his perseverance and connection with the WWE Universe.
In the weeks following WrestleMania XL, fans eagerly anticipated the direction of both superstars. For Zayn, the challenge lay in defending his newly won title against a roster hungry for opportunity. For Gunther, the loss opened avenues for potential character evolution and new rivalries, as he sought to reclaim his position atop the WWE hierarchy.
The match between Gunther and Sami Zayn at WrestleMania XL will be remembered as a classic encounter that showcased the contrasting styles of both competitors. It exemplified the unpredictability of professional wrestling and the enduring appeal of an underdog story, leaving an indelible mark on WrestleMania history.
