Gunther, formerly known as Walter, was a dominant NXT UK Champion prior to debuting on the main roster. He ran roughshod in NXT UK as a champion for over 800 days. His title reign made him one of the most well-known wrestlers in the WWE. Despite this, the owner of the company didn’t know who he was.
When discussing the buildup to Survivor Series 2019 on a recent episode of “Oh You Didn’t Know” podcast, Road Dogg disclosed that Vince McMahon didn’t know about Walter who is now known as Gunther because he didn’t watch NXT.
“Vince didn’t watch the (NXT) program. Vince heard the social media reports about the program, he read the emails about the ratings. He got the information, but he didn’t know who Gunther was. He didn’t know what Gunther, then Walter brought to the table. He very much was not the guy out scouting talent and independent shows in other countries. That’s not Vince McMahon. And so he didn’t know what Walter brought to the table, excuse me, Gunther, I want to say it correctly, Gunther brought to the table.”
“So he would feed stuff like that, thinking that the layperson may not know him either. And I don’t think that’s wrong thinking, you know what I mean? Like, I don’t think it’s wrong to think there are people watching the show who do not know who Walter was, you know what I mean? I think that makes perfect [sense].”
Despite entering the traditional Survivor Series match as a dominant champion, Gunther was the first person eliminated which baffled many fans. However, the Intercontinental Champion has recovered since then and is continuing his dominance on SmackDown.
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