Gunther has been on a dominant run over the past year, solidifying his place as one of the most compelling heels in wrestling today. Beyond his imposing character, Gunther’s hard-hitting in-ring style and consistently high-quality matches have established him as one of the very best performers in the company. That sentiment is echoed by veteran WWE commentator Michael Cole, who recently went as far as to call Gunther the best professional wrestler on the planet today.
Speaking during an appearance on The Sal Licata Show, Cole admitted that calling Gunther’s matches often gives him goosebumps, praising not only his exceptional in-ring ability but also his commanding character work.
Michael Cole Says Calling Gunther’s Matches Gives Him Goosebumps
Michael Cole had high praise for Gunther, stating, “There is a gentleman in our business right now who every time he wrestles a match, I get goosebumps. I love to call the match. I believe he is the best professional wrestler on the planet today, and that is Gunther”.
Cole went on to highlight Gunther’s old-school wrestling approach, noting how his style naturally divides fans, making them either love him or hate him.
He described the Austrian as a true artist inside the ring, someone who presents professional wrestling in a unique and refreshing way. He further added, “Gunther right now, to me, best on the planet. Love calling his matches”.
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Given Gunther’s meteoric rise in recent years, it’s remarkable to see him positioned as a defining opponent for veterans like Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles. With his trajectory continuing to surge, fans are now eagerly, and somewhat anxiously, waiting to see what lies ahead for him at WrestleMania 42.
Gunther Is Expected To Retire Another WWE Legend At WrestleMania 42
Following his controversial win over AJ Styles at the 2026 Royal Rumble, Gunther appeared to be heading into a new storyline on RAW, teasing an angle with Dragon Lee. This development led many fans to speculate about a potential rivalry that could ultimately culminate in a high-profile clash with Rey Mysterio.
However, with Mysterio recently sidelined due to injury, Gunther has notably been absent from WWE television since early March, raising growing concerns among fans regarding his status for WrestleMania 42.
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Earlier plans reportedly pointed toward a high-stakes showdown between Gunther and Mysterio, one that could have served as Mysterio’s final WWE match. With that bout now in doubt, new reports suggest that the Austrian could instead issue an open challenge at WrestleMania, potentially adding a dramatic stipulation where the loser’s career is on the line.
Whether these speculations materialize remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Gunther’s road to WrestleMania has taken an unexpected and unpredictable turn.
