The Forbidden Lore Of WWE’s Gunther
How the Ring General pulled off the greatest work in modern history.
In the mid-to-late 2010s, the professional wrestling industry beyond WWE almost resembled the territory model of old. That so many stars made their name during this time underscores how badly the wider scene must repair itself.
WALTER was in some ways the modern-day André the Giant for a short time. Of course, he was nowhere near André in terms of drawing power - but the way in which he booked himself draws parallels. WALTER was a touring final boss. He was not quite as invincible - his leverage wasn’t anywhere near close to André’s, and he didn’t have a vastly influential controlling promoter in Vince McMahon, Sr. - but his brilliant self-marketing and the elite-tier ability with which he backed it up earned him such a lofty comparison. By 2018, he was one of the absolute best wrestlers in the world.
Prior to becoming a name in the industry, WALTER developed in Germany, primarily for the top promotion Westside Xtreme Wrestling. A portly young man with a cherubic face, his first ring name was somewhat optimistic in its ambition. Obviously indebted to his idol, he went by ‘Big Van Walter’. He was a major prospect on the European scene nonetheless, becoming the youngest winner of a tournament, 16 Carat Gold, that would earn legendary status. As the 2010s unfolded, it would become an annual holiday destination for pro wrestling hipsters.
Holding the record for the most wXw Unified World title reigns - three, alongside Jurn Simmons and John Klinger - he changed his ring name to Big Daddy Walter in 2014. A year later, he fought his first battles with legacy rival Ilja Dragunov. WALTER was a precocious super heavyweight at this time, but was yet to develop his fearsome, peerless aura. A year later, he took on the all-caps WALTER as his ring name.
WALTER first made his true international breakthrough in 2017. Across that year and 2018, he became the final boss of the ‘BritWres’ scene, racking up an extravagant number of accomplishments. He reigned with the OTT and PROGRESS World titles, dominant in the two top promotions across the UK and Ireland scene. His work was so revered and raved-about that he was quickly recognised by the hottest indie in the U.S., Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, which awarded him its World title, too. By 2018, WALTER was the hottest ticket on the indies this side of All In. Back in Germany, his legendarily brutal matches with Dragunov cemented his reputation as one of the very best and most believable wrestlers on the planet.
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