Gunther has rectified weak point, veterans critique his growth
World Heavyweight Champion Gunther made headlines this week for targeting WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart. The Hitman returned to RAW this past Monday in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The Ring General named the 67-year-old as his second favorite wrestler, behind Bill Goldberg, the man who inadvertently ended Hart's career. Several industry veterans hailed the Austrian for this burn. A general sentiment is that he has vastly improved his promo skills.
Speaking on Keepin' It 100, Disco Inferno singled out Gunther for how much the latter has exceeded expectations as champion. Inferno noted that for every promo he does, there is at least one "memorable line," which is commendably delivered:
"He's [Gunther] nailed every promo he's had," Disco Inferno said. "And they've given him some really good material. He actually has a memorable line in almost every promo he does. Something you can remember. He speaks very well. He's a good-looking guy. And he comes across as very condescending and arrogant," he added, noting how much heat The Ring General has gotten lately. [From 18:34 to 19:00]
Konnan also echoed this, pointing to his character growth over the years, beginning from NXT, where he wrestled under the ring name Walter. He praised the 37-year-old's ability to deliver "great lines," while at the same time having a "very cocky face" even when he does not say anything.
Gunther rejects Sami Zayn's challenge for a second time
Sami Zayn can bask in the glory of knowing he is one of the very few wrestlers in WWE and, more importantly, the only superstar who has defeated Gunther on the main roster. But that is not enough for him.
The Ring General successfully retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton in Germany. Upon his return to America, The Underdog laid down the challenge. But Gunther declined. Last week, after Bret Hart was insulted in Canada, Sami Zayn came out in The Hitman's defense.
Despite the Hall of Famer's efforts to provoke the World Heavyweight Champion into a title defense against Zayn, the latter was once again rejected.
As of this writing, Gunther vs. Sami Zayn for WWE Bad Blood has not been announced. Many feel, however, that it is a foregone conclusion and a good one at that.
If you use the quote, please credit Keepin' It 100 and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.