The beginning of the Netflix era has been kind to many of WWE’s superstars. Ludwig Kaiser isn’t one of them. Kaiser is on a six-match losing streak dating back to November. That victory came via disqualification over Bron Breakker, leaving Kaiser beaten and bruised by a seething Sheamus.
Even though a victory seemed unlikely, the Royal Rumble presented Ludwig Kaiser with a chance to remind the 70,000+ crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium of his capabilities. Kaiser made an impression – but for all the wrong reasons. Kaiser was eliminated by Penta, lasting just six seconds in the Rumble.
On Raw this week, Kaiser had his chance at revenge as he faced off against Penta. Kaiser was competitive throughout but ultimately fell to the Luchador’s devastating Sacrifice/Pentagon Driver combo. Ludwig lost for the seventh time in a row, but all was not lost for Gunther’s right-hand man.
The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend…
Pete Dunne cut short Penta’s post-victory interview with an unexpected interruption. Dunne had his bone to pick, with Penta having lost to him on Raw two weeks prior. But crucially, his distraction allowed Kaiser to ambush Penta and inflict the Square Hammer. Exchanging a glance as they passed each other on the ramp, it teased the beginnings of a potential alliance between Kaiser and Dunne.
A promo on the previous episode between Kaiser and Dunne hinted at a mutual disdain for Penta. Kaiser also suggested that Dunne hadn’t been having the best of luck either in recent months.
Dunne is also winless since November but has also endured the humiliation of being the butt of R-Truth’s jokes. Crucially, Dunne shares another mutual enemy with Sheamus, having feuded with his former stablemate in 2024.
On the surface, this new alliance might merely be a case of ‘my enemy’s enemy is my friend’. However, combining resources presents greater benefits for both Kaiser and Dunne.
The Toast of Europe?
Ludwig Kaiser continues to be fortified by his alliance with Gunther. In addition to being a physically strong ally, Gunther’s mentorship has provided consistent guidance to Kaiser throughout their six-year association.
Dunne’s New Catch Republic stablemate, Tyler Bate, is close to a return from injury.
Pete Dunne and Tyle Bate built a formidable tag team, challenging for the Tag Team Championship at Elimination Chamber: Perth and WrestleMania last year. Combining the two factions would create a European supergroup capable of causing both the main event and mid-card superstars’ problems.
New Life for Ludwig Kaiser and Pete Dunne in the Tag Division?
Kaiser and Dunne’s recent form suggests that they are not in a position to challenge Bron Breakker’s Intercontinental Championship. However, the tag team division is there for the taking. The Judgment Day move closer to implosion with each passing week whilst the New Day continue to be absorbed by their identity crisis.
Raw’s newest tag team, A-Town Down Under, are more than capable but always seems to be one miscommunication away from defeat. Pair Dunne’s aggressive style with Kaiser’s focused, technical prowess, and the raw ingredients for a successful tag team exist.
Concern or Comfort for Gunther?
Seeking new comrades in a superstar who spent much of last year feuding with a former friend might lead Gunther to believe that an insurrection is on the cards.
Yet Gunther’s championship status will continue to remain vulnerable while Ludwig Kaiser remains his only ally. Add Dunne and possibly Bate to Imperium’s list of associates, and it won’t be just Kaiser benefitting from these new partnerships.
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