Ludwig Kaiser, a prominent European talent in WWE, recently shared that joining WWE was not originally part of his career objectives. Known for his success as a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion with the Imperium faction, Kaiser reflected on how his aspirations were shaped before entering the Stamford-based wrestling company.
Kaiser began his WWE journey in 2017 with NXT UK under the ring name Marcel Barthel. Shortly after, he teamed up with Gunther (formerly Walter) and Alexander Wolfe to create the Imperium stable, which gained recognition for its disciplined, hard-hitting style. In 2022, he transitioned to WWE’s main roster and began competing as Ludwig Kaiser.
Kaiser Didn’t Initially Aim for WWE Stardom
In a recent interview with Kennt Jeder, Kaiser discussed his wrestling career, highlighting that his main ambitions were fulfilled before joining WWE. Prior to his time in WWE, he had already built a notable reputation in the German promotion wXw, where he set and nearly reached critical milestones.
“For me the jump to WWE was never really the goal. I had actually almost achieved my three goals at that moment with wXw.” Kaiser said. [9:06-9:12]
This admission underscores how WWE was not the primary target for Kaiser, contrasting with the common perception that wrestlers universally strive for the company from early on in their careers. His path shows a different approach, emphasizing achievement in regional circuits before making the leap.
Taking Over the Role of El Grande Americano
Recently, Kaiser adopted the persona of El Grande Americano, a luchador character initially portrayed by Chad Gable. Following Gable’s injury, the masked performer disappeared from WWE television, only to reappear later with a changed physical appearance. It was revealed that Kaiser assumed this role during Gable’s absence.
In addition to adopting the luchador gimmick, Kaiser won the WWE Speed Championship and made several appearances on the Mexican promotion Lucha Libre AAA, expanding his exposure beyond WWE programming. While some fans view this new storyline skeptically, many have embraced Kaiser’s performance in the role.
What’s Next for Ludwig Kaiser in WWE?
Kaiser’s unexpected career trajectory within WWE highlights his adaptability and the company’s interest in leveraging his diverse skills. Having already achieved significant championship success and embraced unconventional creative directions, his future in the Stamford-based firm remains open to various possibilities.
Given his experience and recent developments, Kaiser’s continued evolution could influence his standing both on WWE’s main roster and in international promotions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his career unfolds amid the company’s evolving landscape.
