Add as a preferred source on Google Thekla and Gunther are currently the two biggest Austrian representatives in pro wrestling.
While Gunther remains one of WWE’s top names, with two World Heavyweight Championship reigns on his résumé, Thekla is enjoying the best run of her career in AEW, where she currently holds the AEW Women’s World Championship.
In a recent interview with TMZ, the “Toxic Spider” was asked about a possible competition with Gunther, as both were born in Vienna and reached the top of the two biggest companies in the United States.
Thekla, however, dismissed the idea of any rivalry between them and made a point of praising the former WALTER.
“I don’t think we’re in competition at all. He is so, so, so much better at some stuff than I am. And he’s very real about his style too. There’s really nothing bad I could say about what he’s doing. He’s very outstanding.”
“I think that within Austria the scene has been thriving, from what I’ve heard. Probably due to people like myself and also another gentleman over in WWE called WALTER/GUNTHER.”
Thekla won the AEW Women’s World Championship on February 11 by defeating Kris Statlander in a Strap Match. Since then, she has established herself as one of the central figures in the company’s women’s division.
Gunther, meanwhile, has built one of the most dominant résumés in recent WWE history, including the longest Intercontinental Championship reign of all time and two World Heavyweight Championship wins.
Thekla will defend the AEW Women’s World Championship against Starlight Kid at Forbidden Door on June 28 in San Jose.