Triple H to finally tease a dream match between current WWE champion and top star after 4 years? Exploring SmackDown possibility

Triple H has an opportunity to tease a massive dream match on this week's episode of WWE SmackDown. The show will feature the final of the Last Time is Now Tournament, in which Gunther will battle LA Knight.

The Ring General defeated Solo Sikoa, while Knight beat Jey Uso in the semi-finals. They will collide on SmackDown to determine who will face John Cena in his final match at Saturday Night's Main Event XLII on December 13.

With Gunther appearing on the blue brand's show, the Triple H-led creative team could tease a match between him and the United States Champion, Ilja Dragunov. The bitter rivals previously collided at NXT TakeOver: 36, where The Mad Dragon dethroned The Ring General as NXT UK Champion.

Dragunov and Gunther have had two televised singles matches in WWE. In addition to their clash at TakeOver, the two locked horns on the October 29, 2020, episode of NXT UK. Both of these matches are critically acclaimed, with everyone appreciating the physicality involved.

Fans have been waiting to see the archrivals square off on the main roster, and they might see a tease of a potential match on this week's SmackDown. Ilja Dragunov is a regular feature on the blue brand's show, hosting the US Title Open Challenge nearly every week.

The Mad Dragon and The Ring General could have a backstage confrontation, planting the seeds of a future match between the two. That said, this is just speculation, and nothing has been confirmed.

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Gunther could move to WWE SmackDown

While Gunther is a RAW Superstar at the moment, he could switch brands soon. With the World Heavyweight Championship revolving around The Vision and CM Punk, The Ring General may not get an opportunity on the red brand.

Moreover, SmackDown's roster is in dire need of credible stars. The Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, could use a challenger of Gunther's caliber to make the show more exciting.

The two faced off last year at Crown Jewel, where The American Nightmare defeated the Austrian star to win the Men's Crown Jewel Title. The former Imperium leader is currently the favorite to face John Cena on December 13.

After that, he could move to SmackDown and begin a rivalry with The QB1 for the Undisputed WWE Championship. That said, this is also speculation. It remains to be seen what's next for The Ring General in the Stamford-based promotion.