Add as a preferred source on Google Gunther, one of WWE’s most dominant names in recent years, revealed the reason behind his major physical transformation before arriving on the company’s main roster.
In a recent interview with Enry Lazza, the “Ring General” said he never felt uncomfortable with his old physique, which was heavily associated with his time as WALTER on the independent scene and in NXT. The Austrian explained that his idols were rougher-looking heavyweights, the kind commonly seen on tours of Japan, and that image made sense to more traditional pro-wrestling fans.
However, according to Gunther, moving to WWE’s main roster completely changed that perception. He said that with the company’s expansion and its programming arriving on Netflix, the audience became much broader.
“Up until WWE, I basically wrestled for hardcore fans, and they understood it. But to a mainstream audience, I would have looked like someone who was out of shape and didn’t look like a champion. So I knew I had to adjust that and find a way to still be myself, but with a new look.”
Gunther says he transformed his body because he didn’t think WWE’s mainstream audience would understand his previous physique:
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) May 14, 2026
“In my case, I never felt uncomfortable before or anything. And my wrestling idols were butcher-looking heavyweights from America that went to Japan and… pic.twitter.com/VUTBZj9yfN
Gunther made his SmackDown debut in 2022 and, a few months later, won the Intercontinental Championship, beginning a historic 666-day reign, the longest in the title’s history. Since then, he has also won the 2024 King of the Ring tournament and became World Heavyweight Champion.
The transformation was also praised by major names. JBL, for example, previously said Gunther “completely rebuilt” his body without stopping being the same wrestler inside the ring.