On this week’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser debuted on the blue brand. Though WWE fans may know Gunther as the man formerly known as WALTER, Kaiser is the new name of the man now previously known as Marcel Barthel. The duo debuted on SmackDown sans Imperium member Fabian Aichner, who was last seen on this past Wednesday’s NXT 2.0. During their tag team match, Aichner walked out on Barthel, allowing The Creed Brothers to pick up the victory.
Kaiser accompanied Gunther to the ring for the latter’s in-ring SmackDown debut. Gunther took on independent talent Joe Alonzo, who received little to no offense during this encounter. Gunther’s trademark chops and stiff offense were on full display in this encounter. All the while, Kaiser watched from ringside. Ultimately, “The Ring General” got the win after only minutes of in-ring action, planting Alonzo with a powerbomb for the pinfall. Post-match, Gunther and Kaiser stood in the ring, posing to the crowd.
Consider the #SmackDown locker room on notice.@Gunther_AUT pic.twitter.com/naBkGhg2Xx
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2022
Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser Debut on SmackDown
What to Know Following Surprise Debut on Friday Night SmackDown
For those that are unfamiliar with Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser, they were part of a successful faction in Imperium. Kaiser and now-former tag team partner Fabian Aichner were 2x NXT Tag Team Champions. Meanwhile, Gunther stands as the longest-reigning NXT UK Champion, holding the gold for a total of 870 days.
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