Skip to main content

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door Updates, plus Mercedes Moné Advances to Finals

Tap play to start the latest briefing

0:003:21
News

WWE\’s Previous Regime Wanted a Current Champion to Get Buried

ByThomas LowsonProfessional Wrestling Journalist

In April this year, Gunther (formerly WALTER) was called up to WWE\’s main roster after a dominant run in NXT UK and NXT.

Just two months after his call-up, Gunther captured the Intercontinental Championship from Ricochet, his first title on the main roster.

Ricochet, Drew Gulak and Shinsuke Nakamura have all been beaten since Gunther arrived on the main roster.

Avoiding a Burial

From the outlook, it\’d seem like Gunther has had a lot of support on WWE\’s main roster, but that wasn\’t the case up until recently.

Wrestle Votes reports that WWE\’s previous regime had \”soured\” on the Austrian Superstar following his appearance on the July 4, 2022, edition of Monday Night Raw.

That episode saw Gunther, alongside Ludwig Kaiser, interrupt R-Truth during an independence day celebration and destroy the former 24/7 Champion.

Wrestle Votes adds that WWE had plans for Gunther to be buried on TV, and noted that the past month and change of regime has made a ton of difference.

Loading tweet...

What\’s next for Gunther?

Thanks to WWE\’s change of regime and Vince McMahon\’s retirement, Gunther has remained booked well and has kept his Intercontinental Championship.

On this week\’s SmackDown, the Austrian powerhouse retained his title against Shinsuke Nakamura.

At this time, Gunther hasn\’t been booked for WWE\’s next major event Clash at the Castle, which will air from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on September 3.

Who Leaves Night of Champions as WWE Champion?

24 votesCloses June 27, 2026

Enjoyed this article? Send Thomas Lowson a tip.