Buying or Selling Gunther as a Future WWE WrestleMania Main Attraction
WWE programming has been infinitely better for the past few months. Although SmackDown can still be hit or miss, Gunther has been a standout for the blue brand as intercontinental champion. His reign has restored some prestige to the workhorse title, but one has to wonder what his ceiling is with the company.
Technically, the Austrian powerhouse is one of the biggest success stories from NXT 2.0. His reintroduction as Gunther in January came with its share of skepticism. It was a slight update on the persona he spent 15 years molding into a juggernaut, but it eventually worked out.
Yes, he had already made a name for himself as WALTER with Westside Xtreme Wrestling, Progress and Over the Top. The British indie scene is where he perfected a great deal of his current presentation and in-ring style. Then, he became the longest-reigning NXT UK champion shortly after he joined WWE in 2019.
During his time with the UK-based developmental brand, he produced some incredible matches with the likes of Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate, A-Kid and Ilja Dragunov. However, his recent change has seemingly come with a new lease of life.
A New and Improved Edition
When The Ring General initially moved up to SmackDown, WWE split up Imperium and saddled him with tired foreign heel tropes.
Luckily, his hard-hitting matches and imposing 6'4" frame still made him an impressive addition to the main roster. Even more, he went through an extraordinary body transformation, shedding over 30 pounds.
His weight and body type fit the aesthetic of the leader of Ringkampf perfectly early in his career. It gave the three-time wXw unified world wrestling champion the look of a traditional heavyweight competing on a modern stage from yesteryears.
That was a cool visual, but Gunther realized he would have to improve his visual once he came to the United States on a full-time basis.
In an April interview with Martin Hoffmann of Sport1 in Germany (h/t PWInsider.com), he said:
"It was completely my own initiative. For me it was quite clear: If I want to take the next big step, I have to present more for the general public. Personally, I've always been a big fan of old-school Japanese wrestlers who still had a belly and looked like you'd imagine a butcher. […] Emulating such idols worked for me, also because up to now I've been there for the...let's call it: hardcore wrestling audience.
"In the WWE main roster, however, the conditions are different, you are on a global stage, in the mainstream. From my point of view, you have to present yourself differently. And I prepared well for that in the months leading up to my move to the USA. […] Honestly, no one can tell me that anyone who happens to turn on the TV wouldn't think I was better and more believable the way I looked before than I do now."
This ambitious change to his presentation is a great sign for the 35-year-old. It shows that he is willing to adapt to his new settings and grow into his modified role. He looks fantastic and still works the same style, relying on heavy-handed chops and power moves.
A Tried and True Formula
Longtime fans of the Austrian-born wrestler have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
Gunther may have slimmed down, but he still has a unique look. His impeccable physique and the subtle changes to his character are enough to position him among the larger-than-life stars WWE gravitates towards.
His first tenure as intercontinental champion has also established him as an unyielding flagbearer for the brand in Roman Reigns’ absence. Sure, The Ring General is no stranger to championship gold, but this is an ideal way to showcase him to new fans. This will also help to present him as a believable contender for a world title later.
Gunther’s current feud with Sheamus has also been one of the highlights of 2022, and their critically acclaimed encounter at Clash at the Castle is a candidate for the match of the year.
This kind of early success proves that the reliable talent can still deliver under the brightest lights in the industry.
More to the point, it’s not that hard to understand the appeal of a competent threat. A man who can turn his opponents’ chests into minced meat or vanquish them with a devastating powerbomb will always work in pro wrestling.
His in-ring style is so simple that it appears elegant among the flashy and fast-paced workrate that fans have grown accustomed to. It’s a distinguished approach that demands respect because the 16-year veteran refined it.
When the bell rings, Gunther knows exactly who this character is and how to captivate a crowd.
The Verdict
Gunther has the makings of a future main eventer for WWE, and he will shine on The Grandest Stage of Them All eventually. He’s a one-of-a-kind talent with years of experience and a tremendous track record.
His striking silhouette and staggering offense will make him a valuable asset to the company. He would make an excellent WWE champion someday, and his dramatic entrance lends itself to the company’s biggest pay-per-views.
Ludwig Kaiser more than makes up for any perceived shortcoming as a talker. To that end, Imperium are such a phenomenal stable that enhance his act. They would make a perfect foil for other trios like AJ Styles and The Good Brothers or The Bloodline.
There’s so much upside to having a malleable powerhouse who can compete with the biggest stars on the roster.
So, we’re buying Gunther as an inevitable highlight on a future WrestleMania card. It’s not hard to imagine he could headline a night at The Showcase of the Immortals soon.
