Exclusive: GUNTHER Talks In-Ring Versatility, Making Opponents Step Up, & More

At the WWE Superstar Spectacle media scrum on Friday, eWrestlingNews.com’s Tathya Sachdev caught up with the current and longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, GUNTHER.

In a brief interview, GUNTHER touched on a variety of subjects including his versatile and distinct in-ring style, his greatest influences, bringing out the best in his opponents, and more.

You can check out some highlights from our exclusive interview below:

Question: “You recently became the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time. Your reign has consisted of opponents of several varieties. It has been incredible to see such a dominant and versatile champion; you have brought out the best in your opponents, be it the in-ring aspect or just the crowds getting behind them. Your match with Chad Gable on RAW this week was one of the best matches of the year.

How conscious of an effort has it been to not only showcase yourself as a dependable, reliable, main event wrestler, but also enhance your opponents’ presentation and make sure they are on the same level as you out there, at their very best?”

Answer: “I think I have done this my whole career. I always want to get the best out of every fight, every match I have. And I just think that if I bring a certain quality of competition to my opponent, they have to step up to that, especially because when I’m in the ring most of the times, it’s a championship match, so they have no other choice but to step up.”

Question: “Your quality and style of matches have been quite different from what is seen in WWE in modern times. What styles of wrestling would you cite as your influences, while breaking into the business, and now, as you continue to evolve?”

Answer: “More European wrestling, and also a lot of Japanese wrestling. I do follow those. Then, there’s Terry Gordy, Stan Hansen, guys in that direction. Uh, Kobashi, Misawa, those were style-wise like what I do in the ring, those would be my biggest influences.”

GUNTHER was also asked about wrestlers outside of WWE he would like to work with, and he had a rather bold answer. He also discussed his plans for WrestleMania 40. More on that will be coming soon.

At WWE Superstar Spectacle, GUNTHER retained the Intercontinental Championship over Shanky.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Tathya Sachdev of eWrestlingNews.com, with a linkback to this page.

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