CRYSTALIZED WORDS

Punk put up Roman’s OTC1 finger, telling the crowd to Acknowledge him. Landing Roman’s signature Superman Punch, the antics did not stop there. Punk picked up a fan’s Ula Fala, before doing Roman’s signature OOOH-AAA chant and attempting his finishing Spear. All of it beautifully came along as an insecure man mocking the things he wished he had. A life that would’ve made his path easier.

Gunther is called The Ring General, but his understanding of crowd psychology and character work extends beyond just the ring. His in-ring character would be nowhere near as effective if he didn’t perform actions like this. The underdog story he crafts for his opponents — like Goldberg, Cena, and CM Punk — would not resonate as well emotionally without this towering wrestler wanting us to hate him.