DC knows ball.
WWE World Champion no more, but respect and admiration from the combat sports world continues to pour in for Gunther — and this time, it comes from one of the most legitimate heavy hitters of all time.
Daniel Cormier, former UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion, and a longtime wrestling fan, took to Twitter on Saturday night to declare his pick for the best in-ring performer in the game today. In a short but emphatic post, Cormier didn’t mince words:
Cormier’s post comes in the aftermath of a dramatic title shake-up on Night 1 of WWE SummerSlam 2025, where GUNTHER lost the WWE World Championship to CM Punk in a highly physical and emotionally charged match. However, Punk’s celebration was short-lived, as Seth Rollins shocked the world by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase immediately after the match, defeating Punk and walking out with the title. Despite the chaotic turn of events, Gunther performance throughout the night and his reign leading into the event drew widespread praise — and clearly left an impression on Cormier, who recognized the Ring General’s continued excellence on the grandest stage.
For those unfamiliar, Gunther (formerly WALTER on the independent scene and in NXT UK) is widely regarded as one of the most technically sound and physically imposing wrestlers in the world today. After a record-breaking 666-day reign as WWE Intercontinental Champion — the longest in company history — Gunther has maintained a top spot on Monday Night RAW and continues to draw praise from peers and pundits alike.
Cormier, who has previously served as a guest referee in WWE and has flirted with a potential future in professional wrestling, has always been open about his fandom. But giving someone the crown as “best in the world” is high praise coming from a man who’s been in the octagon with the best to ever do it.
Still, the comment stands as another testament to the respect Gunther commands both inside and outside of the squared circle. Whether it’s a potential five-star match on a PLE, a 20-minute clinic on RAW, or now a nod from an MMA legend, Gunther continues to make believers out of even the most battle-tested veterans.
Cormier said it plainly: “Gunther is the best pro wrestler in the world.” At this point, it’s hard to argue with him.
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