Like Thanos in the Marvel Universe, Gunther is inevitable.

He held the NXT UK title for more than 800 days and the Intercontinental championship for more than 600 days.

His first World title reign began at SummerSlam when he beat Damien Priest. He lost it to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41 in a crowd-pleasing upset.

But Gunther recaptured the title last night in Phoenix. He didn’t cheat. Nobody interfered. He just put Uso away with the sleeper to win his second World title.

CENA VS. PUNK

CM Punk will challenge John Cena for the WWE title at Night of Champions.

Cena said the only way Punk can get a title shot is by traveling to Saudi Arabia. Punk has avoided those shows in the past for political reasons.

KING AND QUEEN OF THE RING

Roxanne Perez advanced in the Queen of the Ring tournament by winning a four-way over Rhea Ripley, Kairi Sane, and Liv Morgan.

Next week’s Queen of the Ring match will be Stephanie Vaquer vs. Ivy Nile vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. the returning Asuka.

Sami Zayn won the first-round King of the Ring match over Dominik Mysterio, Penta, and Bron Breakker.

Next week’s first-round match will be Sheamus vs. Rusev vs. Bronson Reed vs. a mystery opponent.

Like last year, the winners of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments will get World title shots at SummerSlam.

R-Truth appeared again and cut off his hair. He was more serious and wants to be known as Ron Killings.

OTHER ACTION

AJ Styles defeated Chad Gable in the opener. Styles battled out of an ankle lock and won with the Styles Clash.

New women’s Intercontinental champion Becky Lynch called out Lyra Valkyria. Before the “crazy bird lady” could reach the ring, Bayley returned to attack Lynch.

Nikki Bella plugged next month’s all-female Evolution 2 event. She got into a verbal battle with Liv Morgan, who planted Nikki with her Oblivion finisher.