On the November 24 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, GUNTHER defeated Carmelo Hayes, punching his ticket to the next round of the "Last Time Is Now" Tournament, where the winner will get to take on John Cena in his retirement match on December 13. It was an outcome that surprised no one. But that didn't stop the dicussion about GUNTHER not needing this win, nor the expected tournament victory at all.
GUNTHER picked up another big win on WWE Raw. Just a few days ago, he defeated Je'Von Evans, in what was a huge match for the 21-year old NXT talent. Up next, he'll have either PENTA or Solo Sikoa. Expectations are that PENTA will get the win, but it doesn't really matter. Both men would be an underdog to GUNTHER if they stood across from the "Ring General."
But why are fans rolling their eyes at the idea of Gunther running through the field? It's because he doesn't need the victory. With all that Gunther has achieved, he doesn't need yet another accolade in his hat. He's the guy who has had five different WWE title reigns that have lasted for more than 300 days. He's held a title for nearly 73% of his time in the company. Gunther can walk into a main event program at any moment. He doesn't need to have this pivital match against Cena. In fact, it should go to someone else who could use "the rub."
There are so many names on the WWE roster who need a serious push. The Men's division is packed with performers 40 years or older. Bron Breakker is the only performer in his 20s to break through and there doesn't seem to be any rush to bring in any younger stars that can carry the future of the promotion with him. Imagine if someone like Oba Femi was also in the tournament, defeating Gunther in the finals and Cena during his last match. That would have so much more long term value than the other option that most are expecting.
WWE is having a real challenge building up young talent in the men's division. The women's division is thriving with so many performers in their 20s ready to hold the division down for decades to come. The same can't be said for the men's division. Giving John Cena's last match to Gunther furthers that issue, instead of giving the big opportunity to a young performer for the future.