One big thing: World Heavyweight Champion Gunther believes Timothy Thatcher’s potential is limited by his wrestling style
Gunther, the current World Heavyweight Champion, shared his thoughts on former WWE star Timothy Thatcher in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated.
• Gunther credits Thatcher as an influential figure in his career
• He believes Thatcher could be on a “bigger stage” if he adapted his style
• Thatcher now competes for promotions like Pro Wrestling NOAH, MLW, and GCW
Why it matters
Gunther’s comments highlight the ongoing debate in professional wrestling about balancing traditional, gritty styles with more mainstream, entertainment-focused approaches.
Gunther’s perspective
• “Tim would be on a bigger stage right now if he would divert away from some of his core values and accept professional wrestling for what it is on the big stage.”
• Gunther acknowledges his respect for catch-as-catch-can and shoot-style wrestling
• He notes that this style may not draw large audiences in 2024
The business reality
• Gunther emphasizes that professional wrestling is ultimately a business
• He suggests that Thatcher’s commitment to his style might limit his mainstream appeal
• “At the end of the day, what we do is a business.”
Respect for personal choices
Despite his critique, Gunther respects Thatcher’s commitment to his preferred style:
• “I respect that he does what makes him happy.”
• “You can have all the money in the world, but if you’re not happy, then that’s pretty useless.”
Gunther’s comments raise interesting questions about the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success in professional wrestling. What do you think? Should wrestlers adapt their styles for broader appeal, or stay true to their preferred approach? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on this ongoing debate in the wrestling world.
