Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser used to be the loyal men for Gunther in Imperium. However, in April 2024, after a series of losses, Kaiser, under the order of The Ring General, exiled Vinci. It was not pleasant to watch, nor was it pleasant for Vinci, who hadn’t appeared on the WWE program since.

However, a video package shocked fans on the latest episode of WWE SmackDown. Not only was it about Vinci returning, but he would be doing so with an old familiar gimmick. The video package had Vinci in a suit, similar to his initial NXT run.

He spoke in Italian and seemed ready to bring hell upon his return to the squared circle. Vinci will return to SmackDown, which is odd as fans expected him to take on Kaiser for the attack. However, there is a ton of talent on RAW, and SmackDown could use a new babyface.

Fans have pointed out that this new repackage with his old gimmick could be an effort by the WWE due to their future plans. It was recently reported that in 2025, WWE plans a PLE in Italy. Vinci could be a massive hometown star if booked well ahead of the PLE.

With the success of the International PLEs this year, WWE is pushing for more next year. Gunther will be the hometown hero at the upcoming Bash in Berlin. WWE is currently eyeing the UK and Italy for next year’s PLE. A massive push for Vinci is predicated upon his return. Who Vinci will face remains to be seen once he does make his return.

Did Giovanni Vinci leave due to Ludwig Kaiser?

Even though Ludwig Kaiser attacked Vinci and exiled him from the Imperium, there have been backstage rumors. These rumors suggest that Vinci was trying to get close to Tiffany Stratton, Kaiser’s real-life partner. This created friction between the two, which led to the storyline of him being thrown out of the Imperium being written.

While there is no substantial evidence to prove if this is true, fans are excited to see Vinci return. With great in-ring ability and an underdog spirit, Vinci won over fans in NXT. Fans are also hoping Vinci will get revenge on Kaiser and Gunther someday. Maybe it could be at the PLE in Italy? Are you excited about Vinci’s return? What do you think of the new yet familiar Vinci? Tell us in the comments.