WWE Icon Kurt Angle Reveals the Next Big Superstar in Wrestling

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has singled out a current star he believes is poised to dominate the company for years to come.

Having shared the ring with legends throughout his illustrious career, Angle’s insight carries weight when it comes to predicting the industry’s next breakout talent. And in his eyes, there’s one name fans should be watching very closely.

“I’ve Got My Sights on Gunther”

In a recent conversation with Casino.org leading up to WrestleMania, Angle was asked which WWE superstar he sees as the next big thing. Without hesitation, the Olympic gold medalist pointed to Gunther as a future cornerstone of the company’s main event scene.

“I’ve got my sights on Gunther; I love that kid,” Angle said. “He has a lot of talent, and I think he’s going to be the next breakthrough star, where he’s main event 24/7. He’s a solid technician, a great heel and I think he’s going to be the one we’re going to see a lot more of in the years to come in this business.”

With his hard-hitting style and commanding presence, Gunther has steadily built momentum, and Angle’s endorsement only adds fuel to the belief that he’s destined for superstardom.

Why Gunther Chose WWE Over NJPW

Interestingly, despite his wrestling style aligning closely with New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s in-ring philosophy, Gunther never made the jump to NJPW. In a recent interview of his own, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion opened up about that decision.

According to Gunther, it wasn’t a lack of interest but rather the pace of negotiations that led him elsewhere.

“I guess, in general, the Japanese style of business, they move way slower, especially in the States,” Gunther explained. “‘I want things, and I want it now.’ They move a bit slower.”

He added that he eventually reached a point in his career where he had accomplished all he could on the independent circuit and needed a new challenge—both creatively and financially.

“It would have happened sooner or later, but it was at the point where I maxed out what I could do before and financially maxed out. ‘I gotta make a move now.’ With NXT, I had a really good feeling.”

“It’s a different environment, and I could be there and exist there and keep growing there without necessarily having to make a step and go on the main roster.”

Gunther Set for Major WrestleMania Showdown

Gunther's ascent continues as he readies for what is arguably one of the biggest matches of his career. He defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41, a match that could further bolster his status at the top of the card.

With Kurt Angle endorsing him and his current title run, Gunther seems to be fulfilling Kurt's very prophecy. Whether he will be in the main event conversation for a long time, only time will tell, but it seems that the future of "The Ring General" will be bright and indeed brutal.