"Triple H Saved Wrestling To A Big Degree" - Gunther (WWE News)
WWE World Heavyweight Champion opens up in Triple H's impact on WWE and wrestling at large
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther has revealed just how much he believes Triple H has transformed - and "saved" - professional wrestling.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, he said,
"Obviously, he’s my boss and I’m in a very good position at the company right now, but I think, to a certain degree, that he saved professional wrestling, to a big degree, I think. Because I remember when I started-2005, I started-and all the Europeans that tried to get into WWE, there was such a mystery about it, like who to talk to and what to do. It seemed so far away, such an unrealistic point to achieve. And Hunter was the one that pushed for opening the world to WWE and created so many jobs and opportunities back then for so many of the guys, like for us, for all the European guys.”
Gunther’s career trajectory has been heavily shaped by Triple H’s creative direction in WWE, with most of his time in the company being under the direction of 'The Game'. As Walter, Gunther debuted with WWE in 2018, entering via NXT UK in 2019. He transitioned fully to the U.S.-based NXT brand in 2022, shortly before Triple H’s influence over creative would become more pronounced following Vince McMahon resigning in disgrace twice between July 2022 and January 2024.
Looking back, Gunther recalled his brief stint under Vince McMahon’s leadership when he was called up to the main roster in 2022. Describing it as “a strange work experience” Gunther noted that the direction under McMahon was often confusing. “It was hard to figure out what was expected of me” he admitted, revealing that he only had two conversations with McMahon during his short time working under the former CEO.
Under Triple H's stewardship, Gunther became the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in company history before lifting the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam 2024 with victory over Damian Priest. His next defence will be on WWE's "Grandest Stage" at WrestleMania 41 when he takes on Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso.