Gunther On Roman Reigns And Seth Rollins: ‘I Don’t’ Compare Myself To Either One Of Them’

Gunther looks to extend his historic reign as Intercontinental champion this Saturday against The Miz at Survivor Series

A stark juxtaposition will be on display this Saturday at Survivor Series in the Intercontinental championship match.

The Miz challenges reigning champion Gunther, who is crafting the longest IC run in WWE history. While Miz has collected no shortage of titles during his 17-year run on the main roster, his story is entirely different from Gunther, who is Austrian-born Walter Hahn.

One of the most compelling, must-see performers in all of wrestling, Gunther is a super heavyweight who possesses a rare combination of power and finesse. He also has a presence and aura unlike anyone else in the industry, bolstered by his deep wrestling philosophy steeped in competitive, hard-hitting matches.

Courtesy WWE

Miz is a product of the school of sports entertainment. Gunther is a pro wrestler.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to being in the ring with one of the top stars of the past 10 years,” said Gunther. “I’m looking forward to proving myself against him.”

Hearing Gunther remark he was excited to share the ring with The Miz was fascinating. He then articulated the reason for his enthusiasm.

“I’m not a typical WWE guy,” said Gunther. “I established and developed myself far away from WWE. Miz is different. He went through the WWE system, and he’s living proof of how effective the system is. He’s one of the most decorated wrestlers they’ve ever had. So it will be a clash of styles.”

Gunther is in especially good hands with Paul “Triple H” Levesque in charge of creative. Levesque oversaw his push as NXT UK champion, a 685-day title reign that elevated the status of Gunther (then known as Walter) in WWE. Ever since winning the IC title in June of 2022, Gunther has continued to raise his status.

As Gunther, he has also completely redefined his image. He slimmed down his physique and presents one of the sharpest physiques in the industry. While there were many who were fans of the heavier look he sported as Walter, it was imperative for him to evolve.

“If I stay stagnant, I’ll fall behind,” said Gunther. “I always want to be one step ahead. No one ever told me to lose weight. I wanted to transform into something new.”

Courtesy WWE

In terms of champions in the WWE hierarchy, Gunther ranks a solid third behind Undisputed WWE Universal champion Roman Reigns and world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins. But he is not comparing and contrasting himself with either of them, instead focusing on his own presentation.

“I don’t compare myself to either one of them,” said Gunther. “Seth is in a very difficult situation. There have been many titles in the wrestling world that were brand new and then disappeared. A new title is like a start-up–only one in ten is going to succeed. It’s a very difficult spot to be a newly crowned champion of a new title, which means you’re the one to have to put in the work to establish it and add some prestige to it. I think he’s doing an excellent job. He’s one of the best we have.

“Roman is in a completely different category. He’s been champion for so long. Obviously, he’s not defending the title that often, but at this stage of the title run, he doesn’t need to. It should only happen a few times of the year, very special occasions. I’m in a completely different story establishing myself. That’s something the other two don’t need to do, and I’m working to enhance the legacy of the Intercontinental championship.”

A pursuit of the world title will soon be Gunther’s focus. Until then, he is focused on adding prestige to the IC title.

“I’m in the right place at the right time,” said Gunther. “I have more responsibility, and I’m ready for it. Everything I ever achieved and everything I ever earned was a long process. Things that time to build, they’re going to last longer. I know there is more room to grow. People have asked for that, and some want to see it sooner than others. Patience is important, and I need to continue to be patient with my career. That’s worked out so far for me.”

Courtesy WWE

WWE is coming to Germany for its Bash in Berlin premium live event in August, and it is possible that Gunther will headline the card. If Cody Rhodes is WWE champion by that point, it is possible that he could be challenged at the event by Gunther.

Though Gunther is currently unable to travel outside of the United States due to residency restrictions, that should not be the case next summer.

“I’m applying for my green card,” said Gunther. “During that process, you can’t leave the country for a little bit. But the PLE is in August. It should be over by then.”

Gunther is of the playmakers controlling the future of WWE. A true heavyweight with an overwhelmingly desire to bring pro wrestling back to the center of WWE, it is only a matter of time before he is world champion.

Until then, The Miz is now sole focus.

“It’s great when I hear, ’Here’s your match, make it exciting,’” said Gunther. “I do a lot of my storytelling in the ring. That’s what makes it stand out, and that’s what you’ll see at Survivor Series.

“Miz’s rah-rah stuff that he usually does, that won’t work against me. He’s going need to bring out a different side to wrestle me.”