This match was an absolute BARN BURNING WAR from start to finish. Mad respect to Shinsuke Nakamura and Gunther for laying it all on the line. Even Shinsuke’s chest looked pretty much destroyed because of the chops from Der Ring General himself.

Almost as Destroyed as Gunther's Arm

True

Would you believe me if I told they were going about 50% of what they are capable of?

On Monday there was a great US title match and now a fantastic IC title match. That's the way to make up for the absence of the Undisputed Champion, defend the other titles on TV often

It seems like Triple H is focused on elevating the midcard titles on both shows, which is sorely needed, especially with the world titles unified. Loving everything Triple H has been doing so far, and looking forward to more improvements and surprises in the future!

Laura UK exactly, lol gunther def favoured by vinny lol

We boutta get some bangers of Matches for the IC Title, i do hope guys like, Riddle, Priest, Mahal, Truth, Ricochet, Nakamura, Theory, Corbin, Sheamus, Madcapp, Alexander, Ali, T-Bar? gulakc Gableare the main focuses of the IC title. As US Division has a LINE-up with many contenders

Title will split up soon

I kept all my original WWF and WCW titles I even have the one and only House of Hard core title that mean I get to decide whos is going to face the WWE champion I want seven men elimination table match

He's killing the company, get a clue.

Honestly when you give Nakamura that chance to shine he can show you why he is such a great wrestler

Agreed.

Yeah

Yep

That's all he needs. Yes, I am sure he loves the slower WWE style and the scheduling which let's him go surfing whenever he wants in his down time. Doing that Japanese Strong Style as long as he did is no joke and takes years off you. But there's a reason why this guy is a living legend of professional wrestling and an icon of Japanese Strong Style.

Shinsuke Nakamura is one of the greatest wrestlers in the history of Japan. The man sold out arenas throughout the years, putting on classics, and inspiring legions of athletes, thereby earning his moniker of "The King of Strong Style". He's quite literally a living legend. It feels good to see him treated with respect once again.

Nakamura actually being Nakamura again. Well done HHH. Absolute banger of a match.

I will Bring Back Nxt Shinsuke.

@Stop Crying do😅

This was a great main event between two former Nxt champions.🔥🔥 Even though Shin didn't win, he did made a great performance against Gunther. What a war.

I mean WALTER was UK champ but I got It

@Victor Miranda True, but Shinsuke was also NXT champ

@Victor Miranda I mean they are both NXT titles why gotta be specific just because it’s from the UK? Lol

actually, former 2-time NXT champ vs former longest reigning NXT UK champ

So is nobody supposed to lose?

What I love about Gunther is that he has such respect for every opponent, he sells everything beautifully. He makes each match look like a war and doesn’t mind selling to big up his opponent

Facts!

Nakamura and Gunther went to war for the Intercontinental Championship. It's matches like these that not only makes a title prestigious, but makes a title worth fighting for.

that title means nothing

@yutiko Are you drunk?

Doesn't it mean the same

@Damani Resida if we keep getting matches like Walter vs nakamura, it'll definitely start meaning a lot more than we've seen over the past 5+ yesrs

Who

It's honestly insane how good both Nakamura and Gunther are as wrestlers

Gunther and Nakamura both put up a great show

Gunther is so bad though.

@MsToshi1990 lol not a chance. Haven’t seen someone get a chop so over since flair

@MsToshi1990 Have you seen his matches during his NXT UK times? Smh

You can't use the word wrestler, Vince won't allow it

This was a G1 Climax level match. This was the return of the Shinsuke that took it to Kota Ibushi, Sami Zayn, Okada and AJ Styles at Wrestle Kingdom. Gunther is amazing. No words.

Thank you for educating people of why shinsuke is one of the GOATs. One of if not the most legendary run in NJPW history and one of the most charismatic characters ever

It was Takeover for Sami but you right

This was like Tomohiro vs Shinsuke in G1 Climax 24

Quick question! Is this the first time Shinsuke and Walter (Sorry, it's how I knew him beforehand) have ever crossed paths in the ring?

@DeadmanInc336 From what I recall yes

This was probably Nakamura’s best match since his match with Miro back in 2018 and even his best match on the main roster. About time Nakamura had a banger and getting to shine again. People forget how good Nakamura is. I can not wait for Gunther vs Sheamus.

His match with Cena was the best

@JGR4LIFE it was good but could’ve been better.

I feel like Vince completely misunderstood him and his character, and never gave him the time he deserved to shine, I think part of the reason is because of that botch he had with cena which wasn’t even his fault and even cena said it wasn’t. Ever since then he became a mid carder which I believe is mostly because of Vince….

@Levi Uzumaki I'm pretty sure you're right. I can't think of a Japanese wrestler in WWE/WWF that wasn't "evil foreigner heel heavily leveraging Japanese stereotypes" or "comedic buffoon wrestler leveraging Japanese stereotypes" and mid card or lower in both cases, the only exception maybe being Yokozuna (though he was Samoan not Japanese) but he spent the vast majority of his time in WWF as a heel.

will he fight against sheamus?

This match is an instant classic. HHH making the IC title relevant again.

Yes it is

Actually that was Vince lol.

@Rainbow House lol no

It will be the US championship for the IC championship it's still same thing nobody looks to want the title

@Rainbow House Fa a.

Now this is what the Intercontinental Championship scene/division was missing! This was an excellent match & I can really feel HHH making the midcard titles feel just as important as the main ones.

Well Bron Breakker is the only World champion in WWE right now and he's in NXT so obviously HHH is gonna focus on the midcard titles

he has to when the world champ is holding both the belts and is a part timer

@paranormal that's what I'm saying . He should drop the titles.

This episode was a HUGE enjoyment for me! Is WWE getting good again?

YES!

When the company gets ran by a former wrestler of course it’s gonna be a good show

Yes

Steve Austin Yes

Time to play the game

Gracias HHH Por Devolverle El Prestigo Al Campeonato Intercontinental

Productor Instantáneo 43z54 AEW fanboy detected

Productor Instantáneo 43z54 you do realize that you’re saying that on a wwe comment section… right?

Facts

@franco acebedo at this point aew and wwe are the same thing. The vision is the same now lol

Honestly this match was perfect just a fantastic 5 stars match by two insanely good wrestlers showing why they are so good and going to war on each other

5 star ‘ ur standards must suck

@Dark Soul. I don’t think anyone agrees.

This match is or should be close to five stars. Amazing.

Good match, it’s like barely a 4

This match was better then most of the recent PPV matches! Hats off to both of them, that was a hell of a fight!

You know for years we've been wondering when we will finally see that greatness from Nakamura that he was hyped up so much about and i just hope this is the time we finally see the true magnificence from Nakamura

We saw the greatness from Nakamura before he got to WWE... now Vince is gone, we're finally seeing it again

HHH is letting him wrestle his style so we might finally get new japan Nakamura. For the love of god, please give us another Styles vs Nakamura match, now that they're actually allowed to wrestle

There's no such thing delusional smark, Nakamura is horrible.

@DANIEL RAIN The sound of someone who's only watched Vince McMahon's booking

@FetaCheezyAlfredo no it's the sound of someone that knows something about pro wrestling and business unlike you and the other smark that likes someone as bad as Nakamura.

Holy hell my adrenaline reached levels I didn't imagine it would reach Phenomenal match from begin to end

I like that Gunther is using old school finishers, yet it looks so devastating

Every once in a while you need a fresh reminder as to WHY Shinsuke is a living legend of professional wrestling and an icon of Japanese Strong Style. This match was one of those reminders! I just wish WWE would showcase Shinsuke just a little more to remind you that he is indeed a big deal and isn't just 'indy darling hype'. Dude has been doing this since 2002! There's a reason why he is so highly respected outside of the WWE umbrella.

Yeah but only in your dreams tho

Shockingly, when you give Nakamura a reason to wrestle to the fullest extent of his abilities, and don’t tell him “actually the match is going to end with you and your opponent kicking each other in the balls for a double count out”, he will in fact prove why he’s one of the most talented, charismatic wrestlers in the world. Also Gunter is the best special attraction going. Long may HHH reign.

Unbelievable match between Nakamura and Gunther. The right decision for Gunther to win aswell.

One of the best matches smackdown has seen in a hot minute! A little upset with Gunther having to sell a little too much to Nakamura but it didn’t take anything of importance away from the match solid 8/10 from me! 🔥

Why should he not sell to nakamura? Nakamura is 10x the legend walter is in pro wrestling. Nakamura should not have to look weak against anybody. The man has literally main evented the tokyo dome multuple times

@CBCV VMALKF not what I’m saying what I’m saying is that not all of those kicks to his chest and legs needed to be felt by a monster heel like Gunther. Nakamura is accomplished yes but that doesn’t mean everything he does has to be felt by a big dude like Gunther. Nothing against Nakamura at all, just doesn’t feel right for Gunther’s character to sell everything from him.

Walter has always been like this. He sells the hell out of his opponent despite being a monster to respect them. If you saw his NXT UK days you'd see for yourself that he he respects his competition.

@Certified Austin Theorist you dont think he should sell a move?

@Cheren Mertens I saw but he didn’t sell everything he no sold some stuff too I loved him in nxt uk cause he found the healthy balance that most big guys like him fail to find between sell or no sell.

One of the best matches we've had in a long time. Finally giving the Intercontinental Title a push with two perfect people to put it over again. Now let's just get those main titles off a part timer and we're good!

U can't lie roman made the uv prestigious

This match was not only amazing but the crowd reaction and how they roared in this main event was great plus they even cheered Nakamura loudly hoping he would win

I think this was the best reaction that Gunther got after coming on Smackdown which was so nice to see. He is one the best and I hope he is the one who end Roman's title reign because I think it's too early for Kross to win the world title this early.

The goosebumps I felt when everyone was cheering on Nakamura. It has been long since I felt a moment like that.

All jokes aside, this was the most entertaining SmackDown match I've ever seen. The drama is just phenomenal!

Did you like Matt vs Roman and Naomi vs Charlotte?

@Brian Butler kind of predictable

@Amirreza Mohajer All Non-pvp championship matches are predictable. More often than not the title will not change hands.

@Amirreza Mohajer Predictable doesn't mean than the match isn't good.

@Amirreza Mohajer this match was predictable as well, but still good.

Gunther knows how to work a hard hitting match but also keeping it safe for the both of them.

Main event worthy match! Nice to see the WWE Intercontinental Championship getting the recognition it deserves.

It’s Gunther and Shinsuke Nakamura, how could it not have been a banger!?

Gunther and Nakamura are both championship materials

Was a fantastic main event imo. I knew gunther would win but how they've put up a hell of a match from start to finish was soo damn good. It's nice seeing the intercon getting the attention it deserved

What a WrestleMania worthy main event! I've been rooting for this matchup right from the get go and it didn't disappoint because I believe just like in NXT. Hunter's WWE is focusing on the "second W". Props to Shinsuke and Gunther for reviving the IC title again.

What I love about guys like GUNTHER and Nakamura is that they work snug and stiff and lay the lumber down, but they're both incredibly safe workers too who don't go out of their way to be reckless

I had the goosiest of goose bumps throughout the whole match that's how good it was 👏 👏 👏

Best match for Gunther/Walter since NXT. The Triple H era is in full swing. Pretty soon even Bret Hart might have to give him some credit.

Just pure classic wrestling! This match was amazing, an incredible main event! I don't have any issue if Gunther and Nakamura have a part II.

Gunther vs Nakamura for ic title again at clash at the castle

This match was absolutely Insane! Love this match between Nakamura and Gunther!

Now this was the bee's knees! Much respect to Gunther and Nakamura for a great match! 🔥🔥🔥

No lie imo, this was one of the best fights I've ever seen in wwe. No extra fancy moves, just two stars fighting for dominance. More like this would be amazing.

That was a hell of a match. Gunther is making the Intercontinental Championship important again, and Shinsuke Nakamura still looks good for his age. I hope to see a rematch!

That may have been Nakamura's best match I've seen in years excellent match. With Triple H at the helm & Walter being IC Champion we're looking at that legendary title slowly being revitalised.

Isn't it kinda crazy that all you need to do to give a wrestling title prestige is to have talented guys do a bunch of cool wrestling stuff for that title? If only Vince remembered that for the past like, 10-15 years.

@David Lastname vince doesn’t like wrestling

Now THIS, This is pure wrestling🔥straight up fire from start to finish of the match

For the first time in 4 year shinske was allowed to go out and have the type of matches that made him a legend in the first place GREAT match

Its nice seeing two awesome matches for the IC and US championships. Really hope HHH continues to make them relevant because they should be special.

The most hard hitting match iv seen in a long time

If you want Hard HItting Match Watch Walter/Gunther Matches against Dragonov and Tyler Bate or Basicly Every NJPW Matches

@Alex Palita lol yes ik I meant in wwe. We don't get that many hard-hitting matches.

Gunther managed to retain his title after that incredible match

Fo real...

Walter is genuinely the best wrestler on the planet, i don’t care what anyone says. man puts on classics like it’s nothing. he’s a special attraction. no one does it like Walter.

Finally WALTER can showcase his tremendous in-ring abilities. We just need to get back his NXT theme and you have a main event star ready.

Intercontinental Championship needs to be defended on PPV for once it's been since WrestleMania 37

I hope Sheamus answers the call if Gunther elects to defend at Clash at the Castle.

An excellent match between 2 of the best this generation has to offer. This felt like one of those classic wars fought over the Intercontinental Championship of past. What a main event.

The IC title felt important once again after years 🙌🏽🔥

HHH making the Intercontinental championship relevant again, you love to see it

Yes I Am

Time to play the game

How does HHH have any thing to do with this? Gunther was champ when Vince was in charge too Absolutely nothing about Gunther has changed. It’s no more relevant then it was 1 or 2 month ago

@Bobby Kelly yes it is it wasnt shown in weeks and if they showed it it was just to fill in.

@Keyriel De La Rosa Gunther was absolutely dominant in May + June, Vince was in charge then They built him up & he’s every bit the same he has always been. HHH deserves no credit for that Vince saw how great Gunther is as well. The one that is making the belt more relevant is Gunther

Now this is what an Intercontinental Championship match should be! Thanks Triple H!!!

Both Shinsuke and Gunther are amazing wrestlers with tons of experience (Gunther is a five-time world champ in other organizations) and its great to see Triple H let both of these guys shine in this match.

The king has returned! The crowd was so behind THE KING OF STRONG STYLE…

That was awesome. One of the best Smackdown main events I have seen in a long time.

This match deserved a thunderous "Fight Forever" chants.

It felt like a Takeover Match, loved how they built it up through out the night too

Gunther is the best in the world at the type of wrestling he does. Nothing flashy or overly technical, just old school power. I hope they eventually give him a run at the top. He can have a 5* match with anyone.

Honestly i hope we see more matches between both of these men because man that was such a insane match we saw that was so well done

It was brilliant to see the Intercontinental Championship main event a show again.

Easily his best match in the main roster.

This new era of WWE has us on the edge our seats practically from start to finish of every show lately.

Now this is the Strong Style I missed. Banger match. Both are good as hell.

Agreed buddy

Thank you King of Kings for making these secondary belts feel important again... They main evented both shows this week and that was sooop refreshing.... Those belts were apart of most of our childhoods and it sucked to see how they've been treated before he took over...

I could watch these two go at it for hours. Fan-freaking-tastic.

This match was incredible

Gunther reminds me so much of tough old school wrestlers from NWA era But what a match!! Kudos to both Gunther and Nakamura

This is what we want. Good IC title matches. I love the new smackdown live. Finally, we can now enjoy awesome matches on Smackdown.

Amazing hard hitting damn match as expected Gunther is a beast and Nakamura is an out of this world talent great show from both of these guys 👌🏾🔥

Great hard hitting main event. So far the Triple H era has been like a breath of fresh air!

Gunther is so impressive and shinsuke being a veteran helps so much. 2 amazing talents.

Nakamura and Gunther definitely delivered what a maint even man I had goosebumps watching this match

The only thing wrong with this match is that it wasn't long enough. It was exceptional.

Intercontinental championship main event bangers! Thank you Triple H 💯

Great match! Both Shinsuke and Gunther deserve a good push. They are extremely talented

I truly want this to be the beginning of Shinsuke's rise to the WWE World Championship and a legit main event push

This is the nakamura I’ve missed seeing since he came up to the main roster One of the best intercontinental title smackdown matches I’ve seen in a very long time

Very classic and fantastic match!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Nakamura is so underrated, yet his matches are so good, crowd really gets over with him too

The best match of the night huge respect for both nakamura and Gunther they both were fantastic.

The king of strong style is coming back 👏🏾

This is one of the greatest Intercontinental Championship matches I've ever seen.

crazy how Nakamura is one of the best wrestlers in the world when you let him do his thing... who would have thought

Been a long while we saw Shinsuke had a banger of a match

What a strong and great match 🔥🔥

This match slapped!!! Nakamura and Gunther tore the house down!!

You know this title is relevant again when you see people standing up and getting excited like they're watching WWE championship match. I'm happy the crowd was really into this match

Great Match Good To See The Intercontinental Championship Being Defended Again

Gunther and Nakamura have really good chemistry. Good match.

I knew Gunther was gonna retain.

Nakamura really deserves being world champion, he is crazy good

2:11 The way the crowd roared with excitement when nakamura was ready to lay out gunther wit the Kinshasa 🦵🔥🔥🔥

I would love to see this as a long term feud, the match quality would be unreal

Holy Christ! That was a match and a half, absolutely incredible what these two talents can do with more freedom thanks to HHH

What a fight loved every single second of it + crowd was also great

Wow man the crowd reaction ❤️

Elevating the IC title to early 90s heights again is what would get me to start watching again. Keep this going!

2:07-2:15 The energy is truly different now, you barely see crowds get this hyped and involved anymore unless in places like Chicago, New York, Toronto etc

So awesome ! Love that title defense ! Gj to Gunther / Nakamura :)