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As WrestleMania 41 approaches, WWE World Champion GUNTHER plans to stay at the top of the company, bringing his signature no-nonsense style and composed dominance to one of the most high-profile title defenses of his career. Coming off a record-setting run as Intercontinental Champion, GUNTHER now prepares to walk into Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as the reigning WWE World Champion—an evolution he views as both natural and necessary.
“I need those high-responsibility positions,” GUNTHER explained during WrestleMania Media Day. “That’s when I flourish. That’s what I enjoy doing.”
The Austrian star, who made his name internationally with a grounded, physical style and stoic presence, stated the WWE stage hasn’t forced him to change much. If anything, it has only amplified what makes him stand out.
“I’ve never really changed,” he explained. “I do what I do, and I do it my way. That’s what they wanted, and that’s what’s worked. I don’t overthink it. I go with my gut—and it’s always worked out.”
At WrestleMania 41, GUNTHER defends his championship against Jey Uso. GUNTHER doesn’t deny Jey's emotional connection with the crowd, but he made it clear: that isn’t enough.
“Jey got very popular with the whole ‘Yeet’ stuff. Maybe he got carried away with it—maybe he got too comfortable,” GUNTHER said. “He needed someone to remind him what this is really about.”
GUNTHER has spent the weeks leading to WrestleMania stoking the fire of their rivalry. “In wrestling, when you have a big match coming up, this business gives you the freedom to be a pain in the ass toward your opponent,” he said. “I take full advantage of that.”
Despite the serious tone, GUNTHER does enjoy fan interactions and acknowledges the surreal moments that come with WWE’s global reach. One of his favorite memories involved a moment on SmackDown in Barcelona: “Jamal was in the front row, and I cut a promo on Barcelona and put over Real Madrid. It was very one-sided, but I loved it.”
As he prepares for yet another marquee WrestleMania match—another appearance walking in holding a championship—GUNTHER was steadfast about wanting more longevity as World Champion.
“I’ve walked into WrestleMania with a title, and I’ve walked out without it. It’s bittersweet,” he admitted. “Nobody loses on purpose. Some people brag about being a ten-time champion—but that just means you lost it ten times too. I take pride in holding onto a title and leaving a lasting impression.”
And if there’s one thing GUNTHER is known for, it’s leaving an impression—often in the form of bruising, blistering matches that feel like fights in every sense of the word. Asked about possible retaliation from the Bloodline after drawing blood from one Uso, GUNTHER snarked, “I'll Make all the other ones bleed too. Don’t you worry.”
GUNTHER faces Jey Uso tomorrow at Wrestlemania 41.
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