What Stopped Gunther Joining NJPW Before WWE Move
Gunther rules WWE with an iron fist as World Heavyweight Champion but he’s now revealed why he never joined NJPW before his WWE move.
After dominating the independent scene in Europe, Gunther – then known as Walter – joined WWE in early 2019, moving through the ranks in NXT UK and NXT before graduating to the main roster.
Not many people were surprised that WWE made their move for The Ring General but what is surprising is that New Japan Pro Wrestling weren’t quicker off the mark to make their own move for the star. But Gunther thinks he knows why that was.
Gunther Had To Make A Move
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Gunther explained that NJPW never made a move for him as he believes business moves slower in Japan than the US but he was ready to make a commitment when WWE swooped:
I guess, in general, the Japanese style of business, they move way slower, especially in the States. ‘I want things, and I want it now.’ They move a bit slower.
It would have happened sooner or later, but it was at the point where I maxed out what I could do before and financially maxed out. ‘I gotta make a move now.’ With NXT, I had a really good feeling.
It’s a different environment, and I could be there and exist there and keep growing there without necessarily having to make a step and go on the main roster.
Gunther will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41 in only his third match on the grandest stage of them all.