WrestleMania’s Intercontinental Championship match gained clarity as Sami Zayn emerged victorious from a dramatic gauntlet match, earning the right to challenge Gunther.
Despite the match’s contentious conclusion, plans shifted, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown.
The gauntlet match showcased the talents of six competitors vying for the opportunity to face Gunther at WrestleMania.
Chad Gable’s shoulders appeared to have no contact with the mat during the 3 count. pic.twitter.com/aW7PhzFCpx
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) March 12, 2024
The action commenced with Ricochet facing off against JD McDonagh, with McDonagh falling victim to a pin. Subsequently, Bronson Reed entered the fray, pinning Ricochet.
In a whirlwind of action, Sami Zayn seized control, securing victories over Reed, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Chad Gable. However, controversy arose as Gable’s shoulders were allegedly never on the mat during the final pinfall.
Nonetheless, Zayn was declared the winner, sparking debate among fans who rallied behind Gable’s cause.
Despite the match’s outcome, reports from Fightful Select indicate that the original lineup differed from the eventual sequence of events. Ricochet was slated to lose to Reed initially, who would then succumb to Zayn.
Additionally, Zayn was intended to eliminate JD McDonagh as well, reflecting last-minute alterations made by Monday afternoon.
While the revised plans may not have altered Zayn’s victory, the controversy surrounding Gable’s exclusion from the title picture persists.
Fan support for Gable’s rightful contention for the championship raises questions about WWE’s decision-making process.
With WrestleMania looming on the horizon, the potential for changes remains.
Whether fan sentiment influences WWE’s direction regarding Gable’s involvement remains to be seen, adding an element of unpredictability to the upcoming event.
As the countdown to WrestleMania continues, anticipation builds, fueled by speculation and the possibility of further twists in the Intercontinental Championship storyline.