WWE SummerSlam 2023: Did Gunther Defeat Drew? Is he still the champion?

At WWE SummerSlam 2023, Gunther won the match against Drew McIntyre. The match was brutal and physical, with both men giving it their all. Gunther ultimately prevailed, defeating McIntyre with a splash, lariat, and powerbomb.

This was Gunther’s first title defense since winning the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania Backlash. He is inching closer to becoming the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion ever.

1. How did Gunther win the match?

Gunther exchanges some words with Drew before they lock up. They lock up, and Gunther gains control with a side headlock. He follows up with a shoulder tackle, but Drew bounces off the ropes and takes Gunther down with a shoulder tackle of his own.

Gunther responds with a kick to the midsection and a hip lock takedown. He applies another side headlock and Drew counters with a belly-to-back suplex. Gunther rolls to the outside, and Drew sends him into the ringside barrier and the apron.

They return to the ring, and Gunther delivers kicks and European uppercuts. Drew responds with a Glasgow Kiss, causing Gunther to retreat to the floor. Drew follows up with a forearm to Gunther’s back and then applies a headlock. Gunther, however, sends Drew into the ring post.

Gunther and Drew keep trading chops. Drew responds with two powerful overhead belly-to-belly suplexes. Gunther retaliates with a chop, but Drew returns with a neck breaker. Drew sets up for a Claymore, but Gunther manages to evade it.

Instead, Gunther connects with a dropkick that sends Drew into the corner. Drew escapes a potential powerbomb and counters with one of his own, followed by a Future Shock DDT for a near fall. Drew begins the countdown for the Claymore, but Gunther rolls out of the ring to avoid it.

Drew blocks a chop from Gunther and retaliates with a chop of his own. They engage in a back-and-forth exchange. Drew gains the advantage for a moment, but Gunther quickly takes control.

Drew hits a Claymore, but Gunther manages to kick out at the last moment. Drew lifts Gunther onto his shoulders and places him on the turnbuckles, delivering chops. Drew attempts a powerbomb off the turnbuckles, but Gunther resists, and the two continue exchanging chops from the turnbuckles.

Gunther eventually pushes Drew onto the top rope and follows up with a splash and chop, finishing with a powerbomb to secure the three-count victory.

2. The Buildup to the Match

The buildup to the match was intense, with both men trading barbs on social media and in interviews. Gunther called McIntyre a “weakling” and a “has-been,” while McIntyre vowed to take Gunther’s title and show him who the real champion is.

The match was also personal for McIntyre, as he had previously lost to Gunther in a game on SmackDown. McIntyre was determined to get revenge and vowed to do whatever it took to win the title back.

3. The Aftermath

The aftermath of the match was just as intense as the buildup. Gunther celebrated his victory, while McIntyre was visibly frustrated. McIntyre vowed to get revenge on Gunther and said he would not rest until he had the title back.

The match between Gunther and McIntyre was a huge success, and it further solidified both men’s status as top stars in WWE. It was a match that fans will discuss for years to come.

4. About WWE

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., doing business as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and various other business ventures.

WWE shows are sports entertainment, featuring story line-driven, scripted, and partially choreographed matches; though including moves that can put performers at risk of injury, even death, if not performed correctly. It was founded in 1953 as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation and is the largest wrestling promotion in the world. It is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.