As previously reported by PWMania.com, the match between GUNTHER and Finn Balor was initially advertised outside the original venue for WWE Crown Jewel, prompting speculation that it would take place at the November 7 event.
However, the match did not occur. Dave Meltzer later indicated on Wrestling Observer Radio that GUNTHER refused to travel to Saudi Arabia. He also noted that, while Balor was hesitant to travel, he would have gone to Saudi Arabia if GUNTHER had agreed. Additionally, on Monday, Trick Williams defeated GUNTHER cleanly in a dark match after RAW ended. It is common for heels to lose dark matches, particularly when they take place in the babyface’s hometown, as was the case here.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer discussed this situation and suggested that GUNTHER’s loss might be related to his alleged refusal to travel to Riyadh. Meltzer highlighted that, despite being a heel, GUNTHER is one of the most protected wrestlers in the company, and when he does lose, it is usually against top stars and often due to external factors.
Meltzer also pointed out that Trick Williams is currently involved in a storyline with Damian Priest, not GUNTHER. Notably, GUNTHER had previously lost to Balor in a Street Fight at a recent Road to Survivor Series: WarGames live event.
