Which WWE Newcomer Has Impressed Higher-Ups, Including Mr. McMahon?
Surprising superstar has earned praise for several steps they've taken recently.
If you had Gunther on your bingo card as a superstar making waves in WWE, you'd be a pretty happy person right now.
The former WALTER debuted on the SmackDown after WrestleMania in April, and according to the latest from Fightful Select, he has impressed several "people of influence" in WWE, including Vince McMahon himself. The big boss reportedly has enjoyed Gunther's in-ring work, though his exposure is likely limited to what he's seen on SmackDown, and not NXT UK.
Gunther clearly has made enough of an impression, as he captured the Intercontinental Championship Friday night on SmackDown.
Fightful states that several things have led to Gunther getting this push and backstage support, notably his diet and training, which has produced a notable change in his appearance. His willingness to move to the United States after his previous refusal to do so also boded well for his fortunes.
Notably, Gunther's willingness to "play ball" in rolling with the splitting up of Imperium and accepting a name change that was mind-numbing to many fans also aided his standing.
So basically, it sounds like Gunther got an IC title reign and is looked upon favorably because he moved from his homeland, changed his ring name and completely remade his famous physical appearance. Kudos to the Ring General, and here's hoping he isn't subject to the changing whims of WWE higher-ups, as we've seen many times through the years.