Gunther, currently the Undisputed WWE Champion on the SmackDown brand since March 2022, recently expressed high regard for Ludwig Kaiser during an appearance on the podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About? He described Kaiser as “underratedly charismatic” and noted his impressive skills as a talker and performer. Gunther conveyed that Kaiser possesses a natural aptitude for acting, suggesting he could successfully transition to Hollywood at some point due to his multilingual talents and stage presence.
On the subject of Kaiser’s abilities, Gunther said,
“Yeah, 100 percent. I think he’s underratedly charismatic and he’s a really good talker. Like, I always tell him, it’s like, you need to go to Hollywood at some point, because he’s got something for the whole acting thing. Like, I always tell him, I think he would have been an amazing, like, theater actor or something like that. Because he’s very talented with languages, too. So, yeah, very, very, very talented person. When it comes to the wrestling side, yeah, of course.”
Gunther’s Ambitions and Reflections on His Wrestling Journey
While Gunther acknowledges his achievements, including holding major titles, he explained that his motivation comes from continuously seeking new challenges rather than ticking off specific goals. He shared his mindset about personal growth and professional milestones on the podcast:
“Yeah, but not in the sense of like I never had that list of ‘That’s what I want to achieve, I want to win this’ or whatever. It’s more like, I don’t know, I always kind of want to grow in the responsibility I can take on, if that makes sense. I feel like that’s what kind of drives me, where it’s like, ‘Okay, I’ve mastered this very difficult situation. Okay, now I can master something even more difficult.’ I see it kind of like in that sense. And I guess in our world that automatically means like titles, big matches, and all of that.”
When asked if he considers himself the best wrestler worldwide, Gunther replied candidly,
“See, I don’t think about that. I don’t know. At least one of, It’s hard to say.”
Reflecting on his recent encounter at WrestleMania 41 where he tapped out to Jey Uso, Gunther expressed acceptance, stating,
“With Jey, at the moment, that’s the thing. I can swallow my pride. When it’s over, it’s over. I have no issue with that. If the audience views that as a weakness, let them be. It’s alright!”
Cody Rhodes Calls for the Return of Classic Bodybuilders in WWE
In a separate discussion with Gunther on his podcast, Cody Rhodes voiced his opinion that WWE’s current roster lacks the old-school “jacked up bodybuilder dudes” characteristic of the 1980s and 1990s wrestling scene. Rhodes emphasized the contrast between today’s generally athletic physiques and the imposing, muscular builds he believes are missing.
He humorously remarked on modern bodybuilders, suggesting a return to those larger physiques could revitalize the visual impact of WWE stars:
“I’m almost looking for us to get some jacked up bodybuilder dudes again,”
Rhodes said.
“Real 90s (guys). Ones that all the boys can’t stand. Just somebody like, ‘Look at the look,’ and then we all have to figure out how to do it.”
Rhodes elaborated on this viewpoint by stating,
“I would say it’s missing. The old just legit bodybuilder type. ‘He looks great.’ I heard this term the other day, somebody was describing how, at WWE, you may not be in shape, but everyone who is in shape has an ‘athletic build.’ I hate the term ‘athletic build.’ I know it’s not going to happen, but I just want one bodybuilder back in the mix. Just one full blooded (bodybuilder). You look at him, ‘Brother is going to tear his triceps just getting in the ring.’ We don’t have those anymore. The bodybuilders are dinosaurs. They went away.”
Insights on Wrestling Politics and Industry Dynamics
Addressing the often complex political landscape within professional wrestling, Gunther shared his thoughts on being labeled a politician by Roman Reigns. He remarked,
“Roman Reigns called me a politician one time, and I remember thinking, ‘I’m not mad at that.’ I grew up in the business. Everyone is, to a degree. To me, there is politics and posturing, and then there is snaking and backstabbing.”
He further explained how discerning genuine intentions can sometimes be clear, stating,
“You can already tell, ‘No, it’s not. I can tell it’s not even for me.’”
Context on WWE’s Current Landscape and Broader Industry Events
Gunther’s comments come amid ongoing developments in WWE, including the company’s responses to recent legal challenges and the evolving competitive environment with rival promotions like AEW. The call for diverse wrestler styles, such as Rhodes’ advocacy for classic bodybuilders, reflects a broader conversation about WWE’s direction and audience expectations.
Gunther’s status as Undisputed WWE Champion and his expressed desire for increased responsibility highlights his growing influence within WWE’s SmackDown brand. Meanwhile, Ludwig Kaiser’s noted potential beyond wrestling sparks continued interest in his future career path, potentially bridging the worlds of sports entertainment and acting.
