Austrian star Gunther and legend Randy Orton deliver a loudly acclaimed main match at the historic WWE Germany event – which surprisingly divides the experts afterwards.
For the fans in the arena, it was the brilliant climax to an evening of celebration – and it could be heard and felt in every moment.
Bash in Berlin, the historic first major event on German soil, ended with the biggest victory to date for Gunther, the World Champion from Austria. The “Ring General” defeated the living legend Randy Orton by submission in an enormously atmospheric battle lasting over 30 minutes – the duel ended with a handshake in which the 14-time World Champion Orton paid his respects to Gunther, who had been decorated with the World Title for the first time a few weeks ago.
Most fans and critics saw the match as an epic showdown between two exceptional performers from different generations – but there are also other voices.
In the hours after the match, a debate arose about the match, which may have surprised many in the sometimes blatant contradiction of positions. Icon Ric Flair also joined in with an opinion that not everyone is likely to share
US reporter: Orton looked “old and battered ”
For longtime wrestling reporter Wade Keller of Pro Wrestling Torch, the pace of the match was too slow despite the “epic vibe” – and he expressed suspicion that it wasn’t entirely voluntary.
“Orton appeared too often rattled and unhurried, to the point where he looked old and battered,” Keller wrote: “At times it felt like an old-time main event from 40 years ago, before the rise of the modern era with a bigger work rate.”
Some fans on social media also complained about the pace of the match, especially that of Orton – who was often criticized by some fans at a young age for his matches being too tough. In some cases, discussions arose as to whether the large muscle mass he had built up with his comeback from a serious injury last year had made him too sluggish. The “Viper” is currently said to weigh just under 130 kilos.
Colleagues found the pace artful instead of lame
Many other observers, however, had a completely contrary impression – and thought the speed was just right.
“It was a highly professional old-school match. It went about 35 minutes, but it didn’t feel like it,” Bryan Alvarez said on the radio show of the scene’s leading medium, the Wrestling Observer.
Observer boss Dave Meltzer, America’s best-known wrestling journalist, agreed, stating that the pacing of the match was what made it so artistic. He compared the match to the bouts of exceptional Japanese wrestler Kazuchika Okada and Southern legend Dick Murdoch.
“It went very slowly, but just like Okada’s secret,” explained Meltzer: ”You start slowly, not too slowly, but so slowly that time passes almost unnoticed. Dick Murdoch was really good at that too. It was really well done, a great match. “
Ric Flair: Gunther “still far away” from Randy Orton
The Canadian fan account PW Chronicle took a similar view, speaking of “master class” and praising Orton in particular as a “GOAT”: It was impressive at what level Orton was still able to perform at his age and despite his injury history.
Wrestling icon Ric Flair also shared this view – and found the performance of his former pupil even more remarkable than that of Gunther, who is seven years younger. His commentary on the match even read as if he felt Gunther’s clear victory over Orton was not yet fully deserved.
Oh And By The Way, Gunther You’re A Talented Man Who I Respect. @RandyOrton Is One Of The Greatest Of All Time. Hopefully Try To Get To That Exclusive Category. May Not Be Today. You’re A Great Talent, But You’re A Long Way From Randy Orton! Until Someone Proves It To Be… pic.twitter.com/7rNr7su4tB
– Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 31, 2024
“Gunther, you are a talented man, I respect you,” Flair wrote on X: “But Randy Orton is one of the greatest of all time. I hope you make it into that category someday. Maybe not today though. You’re a great talent, but you’re still a long way from Randy Orton! Until someone proves otherwise, Randy Orton is the best worker in WWE. “
Randy Orton stays with WWE for five more years
This is how far opinions can differ – but one thing is certain: Orton intends to underpin his reputation for a long time to come.
While his old companion and rival John Cena will retire for good next year, Orton has just signed a new 5-year contract with WWE and has a lot to look forward to if his body continues to cooperate.
If you listened to how the fans reacted to Orton in Berlin, it’s hardly surprising that the “Legend Killer” has no desire to end the ride on his current wave of popularity
