Major image revamp; potential breakup? - 4 reasons why WWE has changed Gunther's character ahead of Survivor Series: WarGames
Gunther is scheduled to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Damian Priest at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames but is not going into the match with any momentum. The Archer of Infamy has made the champion look foolish in recent weeks ahead of their title match.
Priest put the 37-year-old through the announce table with a Razor's Edge last night on RAW and raised the World Heavyweight Championship. The leader of Imperium appears to be lacking confidence ahead of Survivor Series: WarGames and could be in danger of losing his title.
Listed below are four reasons why WWE has changed Gunther's character ahead of Survivor Series: WarGames.
#4. Gunther could be turning babyface on WWE RAW
Gunther has been dominant thus far on the main roster and has done so while portraying a heel. His arrogance cost him at WrestleMania XL against Sami Zayn, and the former Honorary Uce was able to end the RAW star's 666-day reign as Intercontinental Champion at The Show of Shows.
The World Heavyweight Champion recently showed respect to Cody Rhodes after losing to him at Crown Jewel and told Ludwig Kaiser to make a name for himself. WWE could be planning on turning the champion babyface following Survivor Series: WarGames, and showing him to be vulnerable on RAW may be a way to get the audience on his side.
#3. WWE may feel that The Ring General is a more interesting character with flaws
Damian Priest has set up shop inside Gunther's head during their rivalry ahead of the Survivor Series: WarGames. Priest was attacked by the World Heavyweight Champion on RAW but fought him off with ease before sending him crashing through the commentary table ringside.
The Imperium star has been presented as dominant and almost unbeatable on the main roster, and the promotion may feel that a change is needed for his character. As a result of the character shift, more fans now believe that Priest has a shot at capturing the title at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames this Saturday.
#2. The company may break up Imperium soon
Imperium had already undergone a major change earlier this year, and Giovanni Vinci was kicked out of the faction. WWE could be planning on disbanding the faction for good in the weeks ahead.
Ludwig Kaiser has emerged as a singles star and will compete in a Triple Threat Match against Sheamus and Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship at the premium live event. Kaiser has likely noticed that Gunther is struggling on RAW and could decide to betray his stablemate to set up a rivalry for the World Heavyweight Championship down the line.
#1. The promotion could be planning a future rivalry against Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar has been absent from WWE television for over a year. The Beast Incarnate has not competed since his loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2023. However, he did have a confrontation with Gunther during the Men's Royal Rumble match at the premium live event last year before going on hiatus.
The company may view Lesnar versus the World Heavyweight Champion as a dream match, and the veteran's character change could be a slow burn to prepare for the feud. Gunther may have to regain his confidence to defeat Brock Lesnar down the line, and it could result in fans rooting for him along the way.