Gunther is extremely thankful for the changes made to WWE creative.
Becoming a star on the European independent scene as Walter, The Ring General had no interest in signing with the sports entertainment brand. Although Gunther would eventually sign and appear at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, the former Intercontinental Champion remained in Europe until the British brand closed down.
Eventually making his way over to NXT, it still seemed unlikely that the hard-hitting wrestler would ever compete full-time on the main roster. Not a fan of the WWE style of match in that era, the former Intercontinental Champion admitted it was not an environment he would thrive in.
Speaking with Gorilla Position, Gunther admitted that he would not have had the chance to showcase his talents prior to the corporate changes:
“I don’t know, but it was one of the reasons why, for a long time I didn’t want to go to the US. The product before Triple H was not what I enjoyed. I just didn’t want to be part of that. I am who I am and that’s what I can do best. A big part of that is I need to have my time in the ring and have that time to put on the matches I can put on. That chance would not be there under the old regime.”
Continuing, the Raw star added that he is extremely thankful for Triple H’s input and admitted that there was also some luck involved:
With Triple H, he always saw that in me, and he always had that vision for me. I got lucky that a lot of things in my career took place at the right time. It was a little bit of a leap of faith when I first made the move over. Everything worked out in the end.”
Gunther’s Record-Breaking Reign Comes To An End
Shortly after arriving on the main roster, The Ring General captured the Intercontinental Championship and held the title for a record 666 days. Just as the leader of Imperium looked to be unbeatable, Sami Zayn would defeat Gunther and become the new Intercontinental Champion on night one of WrestleMania 40.
During the same interview, Gunther revealed that a future WWE rivalry is a “no-brainer.”
H/t to Fightful.