Gunther’s rise to prominence in WWE has been nothing short of extraordinary. He’s built an incredibly imposing character with undeniable physicality and in-ring talent, but there’s an interesting debate surrounding him—one that questions whether Gunther truly deserves the elevated status he’s reached or if he’s an “industry plant.” In this case, an “industry plant” refers to someone who, for all intents and purposes, is given every tool, every title, and every opportunity by the promotion to ensure that their rise is almost guaranteed.
To claim that Gunther is one of the biggest industry plants in wrestling history might seem like an extreme statement. However, there are significant points to consider when evaluating whether WWE has actively pushed him to the top with the help of titles and storylines. Let’s take a deeper dive into Gunther’s WWE career and examine the elements that have contributed to this perception.
The Title-Centric Push
From the very beginning of his main roster career, Gunther was positioned as a force to be reckoned with. He came to WWE as part of the NXT UK brand, where he dominated as the NXT UK Champion. But it’s his time on the main roster where the term “industry plant” starts to feel more appropriate. Upon making his debut on SmackDown, Gunther didn’t take long to be thrust into the upper echelons of WWE’s talent pool. His massive size, paired with his hard-hitting, methodical style, quickly made him a standout on SmackDown. However, a big part of his success was being fast-tracked to the Intercontinental Championship (IC Title), and then being booked to dominate the division for an extended period.
One could argue that Gunther needed this title to remain relevant in the eyes of the WWE Universe. While his in-ring ability is top-notch and he’s incredibly intimidating, the IC Title was a means for Gunther to truly prove himself as a fixture in the company. It’s hard to imagine Gunther achieving the same level of success without this coveted title. The IC Title allowed Gunther to continue his rise through the ranks while simultaneously protecting his character from falling into mediocrity. WWE has often booked talent with the goal of making them champions before they even prove their full worth, and Gunther seems to be a product of this approach.
Elevated by Titles, Not the Journey
When you look at the progression of many wrestlers throughout WWE history, the best of them have had a journey that is defined by more than just the titles they’ve won. While winning championships is undeniably a hallmark of success, it’s the characters and stories surrounding those titles that make wrestlers feel truly earned. Take someone like Stone Cold Steve Austin, who wasn’t just handed title after title—his character grew through storylines, rivalries, and personal moments with the audience. It was Austin’s undeniable charisma and rebellious attitude that led him to championship glory, rather than a series of title shots that made him important.
In Gunther’s case, however, much of his career seems centered around the titles themselves. There are fewer standout moments that showcase his development as a performer or a character outside of his reigns. Even his interactions with other superstars often revolve around defending his titles or looking to conquer new opponents. There’s little to suggest that Gunther’s story could survive without his constant positioning at the top of the card, holding championship gold. It raises the question: would he have become this relevant in WWE without the title, or has the belt been the tool that elevated him?
The Classic WWE Formula
WWE’s formula for creating stars has long been to fast-track performers with an air of invincibility and title reigns to make them feel larger than life. This formula, which WWE often uses, seems tailor-made for Gunther. His immediate dominance and prolonged IC Title reign give him a status that might be difficult to achieve otherwise, especially with his style being more methodical and less flashy than some of WWE’s more charismatic talents. With a wrestler like Gunther, who doesn’t rely on promos or crowd interaction as much, WWE chose to elevate him through sheer physical presence and consistent title defenses. However, it also means that Gunther’s character, despite its intimidating presence, is built more on the premise of his championship status than anything else.
Some fans argue that this is a classic example of WWE’s reliance on their title belts to create star power, rather than allowing their stars to organically grow into top-tier talent through storylines and character development. Gunther has certainly benefited from this formula, and his rise to prominence can be traced back to the titles he’s held rather than any remarkable, unique storylines that have defined his career.
How Does This Compare to Other Superstars?
Gunther’s career trajectory is not entirely unlike that of other WWE Superstars who have been “industry plants” in the past, where they’ve been given opportunities for quick success, with little resistance to their ascent. It’s not uncommon in WWE for superstars to be given title shots early in their careers or for certain individuals to be pushed with a degree of favoritism due to their size, look, or background. Just look at someone like Roman Reigns, who was also fast-tracked to the top with a big title push early in his career, despite his early struggles with crowd reactions. Similarly, Gunther’s status as a titleholder from the get-go means that there is little resistance or narrative tension in his rise.
However, while some might view this as an “industry plant” style push, others could argue that Gunther has earned his spot in the company, due to his hard-hitting wrestling style and strong performances in high-profile matches. He’s also found a way to make his character work, staying true to his physical dominance and ruthless persona. Still, it can’t be denied that the belt has been a crucial aspect of his career success. Without it, his place in WWE’s upper card may not have been as easily solidified.
The Industry Plant Argument
The idea of an “industry plant” in wrestling is controversial, especially since it implies a certain level of artificial elevation in a wrestler’s career. With Gunther, the term might be appropriate because of how WWE has positioned him as a champion, with minimal buildup or struggle to earn that position. In a sense, it almost feels like WWE is working backward—creating a superstar and then fitting a title around them to justify their place in the company. While Gunther’s wrestling skill and physicality are undeniable, his need for the title belt as the crux of his relevance in WWE raises questions about whether his success is truly earned or if it’s a result of being in the right place at the right time.
Final Thoughts
While some will argue that Gunther deserves his position as a top-tier talent, there’s a legitimate case to be made that his success largely stems from the titles that have been strapped around his waist. WWE has created a narrative where Gunther’s success is inextricably tied to his championship reigns, and without those titles, his place in the company might be far less certain. This doesn’t necessarily diminish his talent, but it does raise questions about WWE’s tendency to rely on titles as the primary tool to elevate stars. Gunther may very well be an industry plant, but whether he can continue to remain relevant once the titles fade into the background is a question only time will answer.