GUNTHERs brutal SummerSlam loss to CM Punk not only took him out of action indefinitelyit also came with backstage fallout that could stir real heat.
According to Billi Bhatti on the Dirty Sheets Wrestling Informer podcast, WWE had pitched a unique idea to tie GUNTHERs real-life sinus surgery into the storyline. The plan? Have The Ring General blade his nose so the visual would line up with the medical angle. At first, GUNTHER agreed. But when it came time to deliver, he changed course.
However, once the lights were on and the cameras were rolling, GUNTHER didnt follow through on the nose-cutting angle. Instead, he opted for a traditional blade job. That caught everyone off guardespecially the commentary team, who had been prepared to call the spot as if he had actually bladed his nose.
The entire exchange was reportedly caught on camera and may end up as part of the next season of Unreal, the Netflix/WWE docuseries. WWE producers and talent in Gorilla were said to be baffled by GUNTHERs decision.
Now, the fallout could extend beyond confusion. Bhatti noted that GUNTHER may catch some heat backstage for defying a specific creative direction.
GUNTHER is currently off television after suffering a septal hematoma and orbital blowout fracture. If GUNTHER thought this move would fly under the radar, he might be in for a rude awakening. Going against WWEs creative call mid-showand throwing off the entire commentary teamcould easily ruffle feathers in Gorilla. Whether this leads to long-term backstage tension or simply becomes juicy footage for Unreal, one things for sure: The Ring Generals return might come with more heat than just his in-ring firepower.
Do you think GUNTHER made the right call in going against WWEs blading plan? Or should he have stuck to the script? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
