Why WWE Just Changed Imperium's Entrance Theme

The latest on WWE's plans for Gunther, Fabian Aichner, and Marcel Barthel.

Imperium WWE
WWE

NXT's Imperium stable is currently in the midst of significant changes, with tension between various members teased onscreen - and two-thirds of the group seemingly on their way to the main roster.

Those main roster plans are likely behind WWE's recent decision to switch the trio's entrance theme.

This is according to Dave Meltzer, who writes as much in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Gunther and Marcel Barthel are seemingly on their way to Raw or SmackDown without Fabian Aichner. Aichner will be staying behind in NXT, it seems, which factors into the decision to change the entrance theme.

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Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 - Allegro Con Fuoco had served as Gunther and Imperium's entrance theme for the duration of their WWE run, though its lore stretches back further than that. As WALTER, Gunther had used the piece on the independent scene long before signing with Vince McMahon's empire, doing so as a singles wrestler and member of the Ringkampf group that effectively served as Imperium's precursor (as Axel Dieter Jr., Barthel was also a Ringkampf member).

Gunther debuted a new in-house composition as his entrance theme at NXT Stand & Deliver last week. Aichner, meanwhile, walked out on Barthel during a tag team match on this week's NXT, forecasting his singles future.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.