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WWE recently changed the name of the longest-reigning WWE NXT UK Champion Walter to Gunther. Here are 5 things you must know about Gunther.

Gunther made his WWE debut under the ring name WALTER by confronting the former NXT UK Champion Pete Dunne at NXT TakeOver: Blackpool. Some months later, he defeated Dunne to become the NXT UK Champion, and the reign lasted for 870 days. He is now in NXT 2.0 with a new name, Gunther. Here are a few things you must know about him.

1. He moved to Germany at the age of 20

Walter was born in Austria, but he moved to Germany when he was 20 years old due to his ex-wife’s transfer to the country. He joined wXw and started wrestling there. Because of his excellent skills, he started getting offers to wrestle in England and America. 

Walter
Walter (L) is the longest reigning NXT UK champion (Image credit: WWE)

2. He made his Wrestling Debut in 2005

Gunther has been in the wrestling business for 17 years now. He wrestled his first match back in 2005 at IWA Switzerland Explosion. In a tag team match against Adam Polak and Baron Von Hagen, he teamed up with SigMasta Rappo. 

Walter has been exceptional in WWE NXT and NXT UK
Gunther is NXT 2.0 Star

3. He was known by the name Big Van Walter 

Gunther started his wrestling by the name of Big Van Walter. It was inspired by Vader. He told once in an interview that he got this name after returning from Japan in 2006, he did a few shows in Austria, and during one of these shows, a promoter gave this nickname to him.

4. He wanted to be a Goalkeeper 

Do you know that Gunther is also good at football? He started playing football when he was around six years old. At one point, he wanted to have a career in this. 

Gunther
Gunther is the longest-reigning NXT UK Champion (Instagram)

But as a teenager, he couldn’t decide on football as a career as the lifestyle was too much for him, which turned out to be a treat for wrestling fans.

5. He is dating Jinny 

Gunther split from his wife and is currently dating NXT UK Wrestler Jinny. Both have been public about their relationship. It was confirmed back in November last year. 

Gunther
Gunther with his partner Jinny (Instagram)

And it has been revealed that this was one of the reasons he didn’t want to move to America was because of his wife only, as they had a house together in Germany.

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