Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther has made a name for himself in recent months by ending the full-time careers of renowned wrestlers John Cena and AJ Styles using his trademark sleeper hold. Known as The Ring General, Gunther’s submission move has proven decisive against some of the industry’s most iconic performers.
Jey Uso’s Victory at WrestleMania 41 Turns the Tables
At WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, it was Jey Uso who reversed the usual outcome by successfully locking Gunther in a sleeper hold, causing the Austrian powerhouse to submit. During an interview with Cody Rhodes on What Do You Want To Talk About?, Gunther reflected on his decision to tap out on such a major stage.
“With Jey, at that 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 weakness, let them be. It’s alright.”
– Gunther, Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion
Gunther Bounces Back with a Rematch Win and Title Reclamation
Although the loss at WrestleMania was a crucial blow, Gunther quickly regained his footing. On the June 9, 2025, episode of WWE Raw, he defeated Jey Uso in a rematch, reclaiming the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Gunther would later lose the title to CM Punk, but his dominance remained evident.
Continued Dominance on WWE Raw
Gunther reaffirmed his strength on March 2 during a WWE Raw event in Indianapolis, where he once again utilized his signature sleeper hold in a match against Dragon Lee. This further solidified Gunther’s reputation as a formidable competitor in the current wrestling scene.
Impact of Jey Uso’s Sleeper Hold Victory on Gunther’s Career
Jey Uso’s ability to submit Gunther at WrestleMania 41 marked a rare moment of vulnerability for the Austrian star but also highlighted the resilience of both wrestlers. Gunther’s readiness to accept defeat, despite potential criticism from fans, reflects a deeper layer to his character and fighting spirit. His subsequent rematch win demonstrated that setbacks can fuel comebacks in professional wrestling.
