GUNTHER Surpasses Pedro Morales for Second-Longest IC Title Reign

GUNTHER has just one more obstacle in his path for the longest reign as Intercontinental Champion, after surpassing Pedro Morales this week. 

The Austrian captured the gold from Ricochet on the June 10, 2022, episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX and has proven himself as a dominant champion. The Austrian reformed Imperium last September and has retained against Ricochet, Shinsuke Nakamura, Braun Strowman, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and others. GUNTHER has done exceptionally well considering there were reportedly once plans to bury him on the main roster, though those plans were scrapped once Triple H became Head of Talent and Head of Creative. 

The Second-Longest Reign

GUNTHER has proven himself to be one of the most dominant champions in recent history and has now surpassed an all-time legend of the ring. This week, GUNTHER surpassed the 424-day reign of Pedro Morales which began in November 1981 with a win over Don 'The Rock' Muraco. Muraco would hold the title until January of 1983 when he would lose the title back to Muraco. Earlier this year, Roman Reigns surpassed Morales' lengthy reign as WWWF Heavyweight Champion with his own Universal title reign. 

Reaching the Honky Tonk Man

With GUNTHER's reign now the second-longest in history, the powerhouse of Vienna, Austria now has just one milestone to overcome. To beat the Honky Tonk Man's 454-day reign, GUNTHER will need to remain champion until September 8, 2023, a very possible achievement for the dominant champion. In February of this year, GUNTHER became the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of the 21st Century. 

Why is now not the right time for GUNTHER to challenge for a World Championship? Click here to find out.