Gunther isn't just embracing his "Career Killer" moniker — he's proud of it. Speaking on WWE's Royal Rumble Recap podcast after retiring AJ Styles at the 2026 Royal Rumble, the Ring General declared that ending the careers of wrestling legends is a public service.
Gunther: Retiring Legends is a 'Good Service' to Wrestling
When asked about his growing list of career-ending victories — which now includes Bill Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles — Gunther showed zero remorse and instead framed himself as wrestling's necessary villain.
I'm doing a good service to the sport, to the business of professional wrestling, because there's all those guys, they always think they're welcome, they chase another moment, and nobody takes the time and invests their energy in stepping up to them and make them understand, 'hey, get out of here.'
It's like, you've done your thing. It's time to move on and take moments away from people far greater like myself."
Gunther sends another WWE legend into retirement
Gunther went on to dismiss any notion that his legacy is defined by the legends he's vanquished, emphasizing that his success stands on its own merits.
"My career is not built on Goldberg, John Cena, AJ Styles. My career is built on the results I deliver, the performances I deliver. That's what it's built on."
Gunther Calls Roman Reigns 'An Obstacle'
After choking out Styles earlier in the night, Gunther pulled double duty by entering the Men's Royal Rumble match at No. 30. He eliminated Penta and Randy Orton before finding himself in the final two with Roman Reigns — who ultimately tossed Gunther over the top rope to win.
It marked the second time Gunther has been Royal Rumble runner-up, having also finished second to Cody Rhodes in 2023.
When the topic of Reigns came up, Gunther made it clear the Tribal Chief is now on his radar.
Making it to the last two with Roman Reigns, for the first time with Roman in the ring, my way leads to the World Heavyweight Championship or the WWE Championship in the future. I assume it won't be the last time. We'll see. [He's] definitely an obstacle."
Gunther calls Roman Reigns "an obstacle
Gunther also acknowledged that his match with Styles took a physical toll heading into the Rumble. "AJ took it out of me," he admitted, noting he was already banged up by the time he entered the 30-man match.
The Career Killer's Growing Legacy
Gunther's "Career Killer" persona has become one of WWE's most compelling character arcs. After retiring Goldberg at Saturday Night's Main Event in July 2025, the Ring General went on to win the Last Time Is Now tournament and defeat John Cena in Cena's final match that December. WWE formalized the gimmick by trademarking "The Career Killer" just days before the Royal Rumble.
With three legendary retirements now under his belt, the question on everyone's mind is who's next. Gunther's comments about Reigns suggest the two-time World Heavyweight Champion has his sights set on championship gold — and if a legend happens to be holding that title, all the better for his growing list of victims.
The road to WrestleMania 42 is shaping up to be a dangerous one for any veteran who crosses Gunther's path.
