Two of the WWE NXT brand Superstars made their debut on the main roster of SmackDown. First, formerly known as Walter on the WWE NXT brand, Imperium Gunther made his debut on the latest edition of the blue brand.
The company tried to get Gunther on the main roster for years, and finally, the moment has arrived. Gunther was introduced as The Ring General by his sidekick, Ludwig Kaiser (fka, Marcel Barthel).
.@Gunther_AUT & Ludwig Kaiser have arrived on #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/h8vzQOLZdK
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2022
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Second, the former WWE NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez also made her SmackDown debut tonight in a backstage segment. Gonzalez will be now known as Raquel Rodriguez.
Raquel Rodriguez is HERE.@RaquelWWE | #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/wVTEiBj3u2
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) April 9, 2022
During her backstage segment, Los Lotharios (Angel Garza & Humberto) walked in and tried to get a kiss from Gonzalez. But, the former WWE NXT Women’s Champion refused it.
How did the WWE Universe react to the fresh additions on SmackDown?
The WWE Universe has high hopes from both the former NXT Superstars. However, one thing that the company changed during Gunther’s and Raquel’s debut on the main roster was to alter their ring names. So, the wrestling fans are reacting to the name alteration made on SmackDown.
Looking at the strength and size of The Ring General, aka Gunther, WWE fans expect that someday he should face the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
The man who dethrones Roman down the line, hopefully! #SmackDown
— Drago (@Notorious401) April 9, 2022
Drogo wrote, “The man who dethrones Roman down the line, hopefully! #SmackDown.”
“WE ARE getting ROMAN VS WALTER SOME DAY… IMO tho if Roman was to be dethroned its Walter or Cody to do it,” @MrBoss_N wrote.
WE ARE getting ROMAN VS WALTER SOME DAY… IMO tho if Roman was to be dethroned its Walter or Cody to do it
— W.B (@MrBoss_N) April 9, 2022
In addition, many wrestling fans have seen Gunther’s (fka Walter) dominance on the WWE black and gold brand. So, the wrestling fans understand that Gunther is the best for the company.
OMG!!! The greatest is here…. Yes! Welcome to #SmackDown Gunther! 🙌
— Lady Gaga WWE (@BuditBliss) April 9, 2022
Omg Gunter & Ludwig look legit, not hating the attires nor the names. Please don't ruin them PLEASE! 😭
— Banshee (@itsbybanshee) April 9, 2022
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Please use WALTER to his fullest potential. He's really good, WWE
— Keegan Dimitrijevic (@KeeganRW) April 9, 2022
Finally the ring general is on the main roster! Please don’t mess him up 😂 pic.twitter.com/jxv7W7C2DR
— Charlie – The 🅿️henomenal One (@thep1loso) April 9, 2022
Wrestling fans really wish that Gunther should be pushed to achieve great things in WWE. During Gunther’s SmackDown debut, fans already saw him against Roman Reigns. Only time will tell what holds for The Ring General.
Was changing in-ring names a good idea, according to wrestling fans?
The wrestling fans also had the exact words for the former NXT Women’s Champion, Raquel Rodriguez. But unfortunately, WWE changed Raquel’s last name, and the fans didn’t like the fact.
Oh yes…. Finally! Raquel Gonzalez is here… On #SmackDown! I'm glad WWE finally brought her to SmackDown. I'm so excited for what is next for her. Good luck Raquel! 💪🙌
— Lady Gaga WWE (@BuditBliss) April 9, 2022
Okay, changing Raquel Gonzalez's name to Raquel Rodriguez isn't that bad, but it's still a completely unnecessary name change from @VinceMcMahon and the rest of his circus at @WWE. #SmackDown
— George Montes (@george_montes) April 9, 2022
OK, and now they’ve called up another NXT talent, Raquel González. But she’s Raquel “Rodriguez” now. Sigh. Another pointless name change. We watch NXT, Vince. It’s not OVW or Smoky Mountain Wrestling. We KNOW these wrestlers. Why change her name? Alliteration? #SmackDown
— Crucifi❌io (@Crucifixio) April 9, 2022
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Was the last name change necessary?
— Aneil (@realdealAneil) April 9, 2022
The upcoming WWE Superstars Gunther and Raquel are the powerhouses inside the squared circle. But, wrestling fans were disappointed with the company for changing their former in-ring names.
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However, names don’t matter, and Gunther and Raquel Rodriguez will look forward to climbing the top of the mountain down the line with their performance.