Gunther, known for his devastating chops in WWE, has come under scrutiny for using a move closely associated with Ric Flair, leaving some to question its originality. WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long expressed his view that the Austrian wrestler may have unintentionally created a challenge for himself by adopting a signature move already owned by another legend.
On The Wrestling Time Machine podcast, Long elaborated on the issue, saying,
“It’s kinda hard, you know, to do the chops and not think about Flair. That’s been his deal through his whole entire career… I am sure both of you guys have noticed it when some guy is in their chopping, you hear people howling woo. So sometimes… Some guy’s signature move or whatever, sometime that’s not a good thing to do. So I don’t know, I think Gunther should have just developed something on his own, when people would think Gunther and not anybody else.”
Gunther remains a dominant figure in the wrestling world, recognized for his hard-hitting style and effective use of chops to overpower opponents.
Undertaker’s Significant Role in WWE’s AAA Acquisition
The Undertaker, although retired from active competition, continues to influence WWE behind the scenes. Recently, Triple H revealed that the legendary wrestler played a vital role in WWE’s purchase of the Mexican promotion AAA. This strategic acquisition was spotlighted during Triplemania XXXIII, an event featuring talents like Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio.
Triple H reflected on Undertaker’s unexpected involvement in expanding WWE’s reach, stating,
“If you would have told me 20 years ago that one of the big driving forces behind AAA in Mexico would be The Undertaker, it would be hard for me to sort of wrap my head around that,”
The Undertaker’s behind-the-scenes contributions demonstrate his continued importance to WWE’s global strategy.
Jake Hager Announces Retirement, Manager Comments on His Career Fatigue
Jake Hager, formerly known as Jack Swagger and a former World Heavyweight Champion, recently confirmed his retirement from professional wrestling. Dutch Mantell, who managed Hager during his WWE tenure, spoke candidly about the wrestler’s growing frustration with the business on his podcast.
Mantell discussed how Hager’s time in AEW failed to rejuvenate his passion, explaining,
“I think he was getting sick of the business even when I was with him, and then he went to AEW, and they did absolutely zip with him,” Mantell said. “They did nothing with him. I guess he made pretty good money. How long was he there? Three years? He made money, which is the purpose if you’re gonna have a wrestling position somewhere. Make money with it. I don’t know, but I think he was getting tired of it when I was with him in WWE.”
Hager spent over a decade with WWE before joining AEW in 2019, eventually departing last year prior to this retirement announcement.
Randy Orton’s Latest Prank Attempts Continue to Falter
WWE superstar Randy Orton has been trying unsuccessfully to prank his close friend Cody Rhodes in recent weeks. Despite several attempts, Orton’s latest plan involving a swapped shampoo bottle backfired when the bottle was used by someone else, preventing the prank from succeeding.
Orton and Rhodes share a deep friendship, though WWE storylines have teased a potential rivalry between them, adding tension to their dynamic. The repeated failure of Orton’s prank attempts adds a layer of humor amidst the brewing conflict.
Understanding the Impact of These WWE Developments
The ongoing debate over Gunther’s move selection highlights the challenges wrestlers face in creating unique identities in a storied industry. Meanwhile, The Undertaker’s role in broadening WWE’s business ventures, particularly in Mexico, demonstrates the company’s continued strategic evolution.
Jake Hager’s retirement underscores the demanding nature of professional wrestling and the toll it can take on long-serving performers. Meanwhile, Randy Orton’s unsuccessful prank adds a lighter, more personal storyline amid the intense professional challenges WWE wrestlers face.
As WWE continues to evolve both on-screen and behind the scenes, fans can expect further developments involving these key figures, including potential new moves for Gunther, expanding international partnerships, and dramatic storylines centered around top stars like Orton and Rhodes.
