As Gunther continues to wrack up the days as Intercontinental Champion a former WWE Superstar has admitted he’s done far more for the title than they ever did.
At Money In The Bank, the dominant Austrian star notched another title defence by making relatively quick work of Matt Riddle. The victory moved him closer to becoming the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, with his run now only sitting behind the Honky Tonk Man and Randy Savage.
Speaking in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, former Intercontinental Champion and SmackDown announcer, Wade Barrett discussed his admiration for the current champion. Barrett broke down why he’s so impressed with Gunther, and what makes him so special.
“Gunther is a complete phenom, to be honest with you. I think if he didn’t have the Intercontinental Championship, I think we’d already see him competing with the likes of Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns for the world championships, but I think he’s in the build still. I think he’s in a really good position. I just think that there’s not a single weakness to his game. The most impressive thing for me is not the chops and the hard-hitting nature. They are great, and I enjoy that. It’s not the technical side of his game.
He’s a massive guy, and it’s a lot harder to have the cardio ability in these kind of 25-30 minute matches when you’re a 250-pound-plus guy, versus when some of the guys who are 170-180 pounds. It’s a lot easier because you’re not carrying that weight around. Gunther, I think his cardio ability, more than anything else as a heavyweight really impresses me.”
Barrett went on to praise Gunther for bringing prestige back to the championship, something he admitted he failed to do.
“Let me tell you, I had that championship five times, and the effect I had on the caliber of that championship, I sent it through the basement. So thankfully, prestige from Gunther, and when I tell people now, ‘Yeah, I’m a five-time Intercontinental Champion,’ they’re like, ‘Woah, woah, that Gunther guy, that makes it really special.’ So yeah, thank you, Gunther.”
Gunther Vs. Drew McIntyre Planned For WWE SummerSlam
Following his victory at Money In The Bank, Gunther was confronted by Drew McIntyre who was making his first appearance since being defeated by the champion at WrestleMania 39.
The tension between the pair continued to build two nights later on Raw, and it’s been reported that duo will meet at SummerSlam in Detroit.
H/t to Fightful