Why Gunther is the best in-ring competitor in WWE right now?

The “In-Ring General” is one of the toughest wrestlers of the current new era

After Gunther defeated Damian Priest at SummerSlam 2024 to win his first World Heavyweight Championship, his rise to the top of the WWE hierarchy was cemented.

This triumph validated his status as the top in-ring combatant in the WWE at the moment and was a monument to his skill. But what distinguishes Gunther from his other wrestler friends?

The Ring General’s wrestling style is an ideal combination of force and technique, reminiscent of the hard-hitting style popularized by All Japan Pro Wrestling in the 1990s. The In-Ring General has named legends like Kenta Kobashi, Toshiaki Kawada, Stan Hansen, Terry Gordy, and Gary Albright as his inspirations.

These influences can be seen in his matches, as each move is done with precision and purpose. Unlike many modern wrestlers who concentrate largely on high-flying acrobatics, Gunther’s style is founded on realism. His attacks, like as the lariat, powerbomb, and Boston crab, are meant to quickly and effectively incapacitate his opponent.

Gunther performs simple maneuvers but with perfection

One of Gunther’s biggest assets is his ability to make even the most basic maneuvers lethal. His utilization of the sleeper hold serves as an excellent example of this. In a day when wrestling fans are used to showy, high-risk moves, Gunther’s sleeper hold stands out for its plain efficiency.

This move, which many regard to be a fundamental or transitional hold, becomes a match-ender in the WWE World Heavyweight Champions’ hands. His use of the sleeper hold on Damian Priest at SummerSlam, which resulted in the referee calling for the bell, demonstrates his ability to elevate simple maneuvers to match-defining situations.

The In Ring General matches are distinguished by their logic and consistency in narrative. He adjusts his tactics based on his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, weaving a story that makes sense in the circumstances of the battle.

This mentality was obvious in his SummerSlam match with Damian Priest. When Priest looked to have won the bout with his South of Heaven chokeslam Finn Bálor’s intervention enabled Gunther to reclaim control. Gunther took advantage of Priest’s short confusion and wrath, delivering a powerbomb followed by a sleeper hold to secure a victory.

Under Triple H’s direction, Gunther’s booking has been flawless. Unlike Vince McMahon’s inconsistent booking decisions, Triple H has established a steady and logical plot for Gunther, allowing his character to thrive. This thorough and deliberate booking has helped elevate In Ring General as a major WWE performer.

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