Gunther, formerly known as WALTER, has undergone a remarkable transformation, leaving him almost unrecognizable compared to his previous appearance. This change wasn't merely aesthetic; it was a strategic decision to enhance his performance and longevity in the WWE.
The Catalyst for Change
The impetus for Gunther's transformation stemmed from his Imperium stablemates, Vinci and Kaiser, who had already committed to improving their physiques during the pandemic. As Gunther anticipated a main roster call-up, he recognized the need to present the best version of himself on national television.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, the Intercontinental Champion elaborated on his decision to alter his diet: "The first step was like, during COVID, we have a friend that is a bodybuilder and he’s coaching people. I think he owns a gym now and runs it and stuff. He started to help Kaiser and Gio with their diet a little bit and they were following a diet and they got in incredible shape. So we had that guy around and I was never really, that’s the one thing I have to say. Usually, I was always on top of things in my adult life, but the diet is always something I kind of like neglected because I was good the way I was. But when I signed for the main roster and I knew, okay, moving over now I know I’m gonna be on national TV I thought okay, let’s bring the best version of yourself you can. You’re going to be in front of millions of people every week. I think that step is necessary now. I’m glad I did it. I feel like the independent wrestler Walter that was a little bit bigger and looked like a butcher from the next-door shop, that was cool. I think that was fine for then and I feel like for the wrestling enthusiasts on the independent market, like when you think back like Stan Hansen or Terry Gordy, like the bigger guys, I think it has its place in wrestling a little bit, but I felt like it was time to make a step and progress.”
Previously, Gunther weighed over 300 pounds; he shed 65 pounds, dropping to a lean 250. “I didn’t realize how big I was until I saw old photos,” he says.
The Diet: A Sustainable Approach
Gunther's diet wasn't about deprivation or quick fixes. He focused on a sustainable approach that balanced his love for food with his performance goals. While he still allows himself cheat days, including pizza, he made smart choices about his daily intake.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
He aimed for 3,000 calories daily, with 200 grams of protein. He incorporated lean meats, eggs, and vegetables into his diet. “Chicken, fish, and veggies were my go-to,” he says.
Key components of his diet included:
- Protein Power: Chicken, fish, and protein shakes to maintain muscle mass.
- Smart Carbs: Sweet potatoes and rice for sustained energy, avoiding junk food.
- Cheat Meals: Occasional indulgences, such as a steakhouse dinner with his wife, Jinny, or friends.
Gunther told Metro, "Everybody knows how I looked before, so everybody knows I really liked to eat before that! I had to make a cut to that. To limit food intake is a little bit tricky. I love to cook and I like food, but at the end of the day, I've got to give credit to [Ludwig] Kaiser and [Giovanni Vinci], because they've been in incredible shape already. I just jumped on board with them and they kicked my butt to pull through even when it's difficult [he smiled]. Like I said, it always comes back to the support system and that's from many areas in your life."
Pastries, beer, heavy meats, and soda were eliminated.
The Training Regime: Power and Agility
Gunther maintained his heavy lifting regimen, including squats and deadlifts, to preserve his raw power. He also incorporated high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and wrestling drills to improve his conditioning and agility.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
His training included:
- Squats & Deadlifts: Essential for maintaining raw power.
- Sprint Work: Short bursts of intense cardio to boost cardiovascular health.
- Circuits: Bodyweight exercises to simulate match conditions and elevate heart rate.
The Support System: Imperium
Gunther credits his Imperium teammates, Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, for their unwavering support throughout his transformation. They provided motivation, shared meal prep tips, and pushed him through challenging workouts. "They kicked my butt when I slacked," he says.
Gunther stated, "To be fair, I've never had to sell it to anyone because when I signed with WWE, they just took me how I was. Since then it hasn't really changed."
Overcoming Challenges: Mindset Matters
Gunther faced periods where he felt discouraged, particularly when the scale didn't reflect his efforts. He combatted these feelings by shifting his focus from the numbers to how he felt-lighter, faster, and stronger. He celebrated small victories, such as lasting longer in matches or achieving personal records in the gym. “You gotta remind yourself why you started,” he says.
Around the six-month mark, things clicked. “I dropped from 300 to 250 pounds,” he says, still a bit shocked. “I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘Who is this guy?’”
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
The Results: Enhanced Performance and Confidence
Gunther's transformation yielded significant improvements in his in-ring performance. His cardio skyrocketed, allowing him to maintain a high intensity throughout his matches. "I'm quicker now, but I still hit like a truck," he says with a smirk.
Beyond the physical benefits, Gunther's weight loss boosted his confidence and self-assurance. "I feel unstoppable," he says.
The Ring General Amplified
The weight loss didn’t change Gunther’s core style. “I’m still the Ring General,” he says. But it amplified his dominance. “I can go longer, move faster,” he explains. Matches against stars like Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton showed his new edge. “I’m not just surviving out there-I’m controlling the pace,” he says.
Lessons Learned: A Blueprint for Change
Gunther's journey offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to transform their health and fitness.
His advice includes:
- Set a Why: Define your motivation for change, whether it's health, confidence, or something else. Write it down as a reminder.
- Find Your Crew: Surround yourself with supportive people who will encourage you along the way.
- Balance, Not Deprivation: Avoid restrictive diets that lead to burnout. Allow yourself occasional indulgences to stay on track.
- Track Progress Beyond the Scale: Monitor your progress by how your clothes fit, how you feel, and other non-numerical measures.
- Consistency Over Perfection: Accept that there will be setbacks and focus on maintaining consistency over time.
Gunther warns against crash diets. “You’ll burn out,” he says. “Focus on what you can keep up.” He also stresses consistency over perfection. “Some days, you’ll mess up,” he says.
The Future: Unstoppable
Gunther is not slowing down. “This is just the beginning,” he says, smirking. “I can get even better.” He’s eyeing bigger matches, maybe even a World Championship run.
Outside the ring, he’s focused on family and health. “I want to be around for a long time,” he says. Becoming a father in 2023 added new perspective. “I want to be healthy for my son,” he says softly. “That’s bigger than any title.”
Gunther's Physical Stats
- Gunther shed 65 pounds, dropping from over 300 pounds to a lean 250.
- Gunther ate 3,000 calories daily, with 200 grams of protein. “Chicken, fish, and veggies were my go-to,” he says.
Was this transformation required by WWE?
- No, it was his choice. “I wanted to look and feel better on the main roster,” he says.
Who helped you in this transformation?
- Gunther leaned on his Imperium teammates, Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci. “They kicked my butt when I slacked,” he says.
What type of training did you do?
- Gunther mixed heavy lifts like squats with HIIT and wrestling drills. “Sprints and circuits got my cardio up,” he says.