Ludwig Kaiser, formerly known in WWE as Marcel Barthel, has disclosed the underlying cause of his split from longtime WWE partner Gunther. The revelation sheds light on the dynamics within their faction Imperium and the challenges Kaiser faced pursuing his own path in the wrestling world.
Kaiser first rose to prominence alongside Fabian Aichner and Walter as part of the European wrestling faction Ringkampf before transitioning to WWE, where they rebranded as Imperium. Upon joining WWE’s main roster, Barthel and Aichner were renamed Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, with Walter adopting the new ring name Gunther. The group found initial success on WWE television until Vinci was removed due to in-ring struggles. Subsequently, Gunther encouraged Kaiser to branch out independently, ending their partnership without conflict or storyline feud.
The Decision Behind Ludwig Kaiser and Gunther’s Separation
In a candid discussion on the Kennt jeder podcast, Kaiser opened up about the split with Gunther, emphasizing that it was a joint decision rather than an externally imposed separation. Kaiser’s explanation provides a glimpse into the faction’s original formation and personal ambitions within WWE’s competitive landscape.
“I think I have never said this in public, but it was Gunther’s and my idea. You see, Imperium originated in wXw as Ringkampf, even though it was set up differently. We were all on the same level, but with different characters. Timothy Thatcher was the roughneck for the dirty work. I was the arrogant young boy. WALTER (Gunther) was the slaughterer to kill everyone. Imperium was a different dynamic. Gunther was the main guy and I was part of the tag team. Gunther is insane, he unlocks something in people that only few can. You need to know your place. My job was to make his act better and not take anything away. But at some point you want more and you get to a point where you want more. But if you keep walking behind Gunther, I remain the tag team guy. We realized something needs to change, so we did. Of course there is a risk. But in America you need to bank on yourself and on your skills. You need to have the balls to do that. You will get that chance, you need to use it. I would say for myself I did just that.”
— Ludwig Kaiser, Wrestler
Kaiser reflected on the original identity of Imperium in wXw where the members shared equal footing with distinct roles: Timothy Thatcher as the enforcer, Kaiser as the cocky youth, and Walter (Gunther) as the dominant powerhouse. This balance changed after transitioning to WWE, where Gunther assumed the central role, and Kaiser remained tethered to tag team status.
Kaiser described the necessity of knowing one’s position within the group and the struggle of wanting greater individual success while remaining in Gunther’s shadow. Ultimately, both recognized that continuing in this arrangement capped Kaiser’s potential, prompting the decision to split and pursue individual opportunities despite the inherent risks, especially within the high-stakes American wrestling scene.
Ludwig Kaiser’s Current Role and Career Trajectory
Following the separation from Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser has diversified his wrestling engagements, dividing his efforts between WWE and Mexico’s AAA promotion. Notably, Kaiser took on the persona of El Grande Americano in AAA, stepping in during Chad Gable’s injury hiatus, showcasing his versatility and determination to stand out on his own merits.
His move reflects a broader ambition to build a distinct identity apart from Imperium and to leverage chances beyond the WWE tag team confines in the highly competitive wrestling industry. Kaiser’s decision underscores the pressure wrestlers often feel to harness every opportunity, knowing that personal success requires taking risks beyond established partnerships.
Additional Headlines from the Wrestling World
Outside Ludwig Kaiser’s story, WWE and AEW have been bustling with pivotal moments that continue to shape the wrestling landscape:
At Wrestlepalooza, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship in a high-profile match against Drew McIntyre, maintaining his position at the top of the WWE hierarchy. The event cemented Rhodes’s resilience and status amid ongoing competition.
AJ Lee broke her silence regarding her upcoming WWE in-ring return at Wrestlepalooza, signaling significant developments for her career and fan anticipation. Meanwhile, Shane McMahon’s son publicly reacted to Stephanie McMahon’s announcement as the first inductee for the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026, reflecting on the legacy and influence within WWE’s corporate and family circles.
Toni Storm’s unexpected loss of the Women’s Championship at AEW All Out marked the end of her record-setting fourth reign on February 15, 2025, shaking up the women’s division and leading to fresh rivalries. After a brutal injury sustained during a tag team match at WWE Wrestlepalooza, Jey Uso took to social media with a brief update, showing the physical toll and unpredictability of wrestling careers.
From AEW All Out’s dramatic developments, Beth Phoenix made a surprising appearance on September 20, sparking speculation about her future direction within the industry. Meanwhile, Torrie Wilson addressed rumors about involvement with another WWE star’s husband, clarifying her position amid swirling backstage gossip.
AEW All Out 2025 also featured Hangman Adam Page defending the AEW World Title against Kyle Fletcher, with the event’s outcomes influencing both performers’ trajectories and the promotion’s championship scenes.
The Broader Implication of Kaiser’s Split and Wrestling Careers
The revelation of Ludwig Kaiser’s WWE split reasons highlights the often complex, personal decisions wrestlers face when balancing group dynamics and individual ambitions. His choice to challenge himself away from Gunther signifies a pivotal step toward carving out a unique identity in a demanding, risk-laden environment.
For wrestling fans and industry observers, Kaiser’s move illustrates a common theme where partnerships evolve or dissolve as performers seek to maximize their potential. The story underscores how talents within WWE and other global promotions confront intense pressure, negotiation of roles, and the need to seize chances in a fiercely competitive entertainment sport.
Looking ahead, Kaiser’s dual engagement with WWE and AAA positions him as a figure to watch as he tests his skills on multiple stages. His journey may offer insights into how wrestlers adapt and thrive amid the shifting currents of professional wrestling’s global landscape.
