GUNTHER has addressed potentially receiving a babyface reaction from the crowd in Turin for his Undisputed WWE Championship Match with Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy 2026.
For the first time in his career, GUNTHER will challenge for WWE’s most coveted prize: the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash in Italy on Sunday, May 31.
Despite this however, “The Ring General” is obviously no stranger to carrying gold in WWE – in fact he’s done just that for the majority of his time in the company; having two World Heavyweight Championship reigns under his belt, as well as record-breaking tenures as Intercontinental and NXT UK Champion.
Speaking with the Italian Wrestling Channel ahead of Clash in Italy, GUNTHER was asked whether he misses carrying a title in WWE.
Describing being champion as the “ultimate goal” of every wrestler, GUNTHER replied:
“Got to have goals to reach I guess right? But that’s the ultimate goal of every professional wrestler is you want to be a champion. So that’s what I’m here to do.”
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When asked what fans can expect for his match with Cody Rhodes next Sunday, GUNTHER ensured the match will “not disappoint on any level”:
“I think he’s done his bit and I’m in the process of doing my bit as well. I think it will not disappoint on any level and yeah, (I’m) looking forward to it.”
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GUNTHER Warns Cody Rhodes Of Potential “Away Game” In Turin At Clash in Italy
As seen with the raucous response Drew McIntyre got when he dethroned Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in Berlin on January 9, European crowds will typically root for their own, even if a star is not from the exact country a WWE show is in.
With GUNTHER making his name in pro wrestling by competing across Europe, the Austrian was asked about potentially being a favorite of the Turin crowd next Sunday, despite playing the heel on WWE TV.
Admitting that the tables being turned like that makes for a “more interesting” contest, GUNTHER said:
“Maybe, we’ll see (on potentially being a crowd favorite in Italy). Obviously we’re in Europe. That’s my home turf. That happened similar before but it’s nothing that shakes me or something.
“I even think it makes it a little bit more interesting to be honest. Might feel a little bit like an away game for Cody.”
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GUNTHER Hails Importance Of His Work On The Independent Scene Before WWE
In 2026, GUNTHER is someone who has defended the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, retired legends such as John Cena, AJ Styles and Goldberg, and set numerous records in the company. However, “The Career Killer” fondly remembers the time before WWE, when the lights didn’t quite shine as bright.
When asked about the difference between working on the indies in Europe and the “The Grandest Stage of Them All”, GUNTHER expressed how every match before WWE felt like WrestleMania and it was a “great learning ground” for the position he’s in now:
“Yeah that’s how I came up right? Gymnasiums and empty venues. But it’s a great learning ground to be honest. Every match back then felt like WrestleMania, I remember that as well. I love that time and it was (an) important part of my journey.
“We moved on now and progressed and now I’m run the fortunate position to represent WWE on that platform when we come to Europe as the European guy.”
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