Gunther Had Concerns About His Style Fitting In WWE, Says He Needs Guys Like John Cena

Gunther says that he did have concerns about whether his style would fit in WWE, which is why he didn’t sign with the company at first. The Ring General has found himself in the success lane in WWE as a former World Heavyweight Champion who has retired both Goldberg and most recently John Cena. But when he was WALTER on the independent scene, there was plenty of concern that his less entertainment-oriented style wouldn’t fit in WWE.

Gunther noted on The Masked Man Show that he shared those concerns. He noted that he he expected he might end up in Japan. Gunther also weighed in on Michael Cole saying at Saturday Night’s Main Event that “Professional wrestling destroyed sports entertainment.” You can see the highlights below:

On If It’s His Goal To Have Pro Wrestling Destroy Sports Entertainment

“I wouldn’t say it’s like my main goal. It was a good line to put up, because I think John and I were very, very different as wrestler. And so I think it was a good headline for that. I wouldn’t say it’s my number one mission, because I feel like once you get in the ring with me or once I get time to get out there and do what I do, I feel like it kinda speaks for itself, that dynamic with most of my opponents.

“And I feel like that’s a good contrast with everybody. Because I don’t know, I’m not out here to — how should I say it. Like, it’s part of our business, like the more entertainment side, and it’s important for our business.”

On More Entertainment-Focused Performers:

“I need those guys. Like I need guys like John, or Jey Uso. People with like a really deep connection to the audience and that goes with them. Because if they’re not around, there’s no party to ruin for me and then it would be less exciting. So I’m glad they’re around.”

On Having Concerns About His Style Fitting In WWE:

“Oh yes, I did and that’s why I didn’t sign with them for a bit before I actually went. It was definitely a fault. I never saw myself in WWE. I always thought I would, ‘Yeah, if things go well, I’ll work in Japan, and that’s my jam and that’s where I fit.’ That never happened really. And yeah, now we are here. So it shows it’s hard to predict. You should never like cancel anything out in your life when it comes to possibilities and stuff like that. And I never expected it to fit that well as it does, but here we are.

“And I think as long as I can be here and be a good contrast to everybody else and provide something different, I think that’s why it fits. And as long as I can do it, I think I’m gonna have a good position here.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit The Masked Man Show with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.