WWE has changed the names of a few superstars in 2020. The company makes changes to superstar names in an attempt to match the character they portray on-screen. Here’s a list of 5 superstars who underwent name changes in 2022.
1. Gunther (formerly Walter)
Walter made his WWE debut on January 12, 2019, at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, when he confronted WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne following Dunne’s successful title defense. Walter defeated Roderick Strong in the main event of NXT 2.0 on January 18th. He introduced his new ring name as ‘Gunther Stark’ after the match. Walter made his NXT debut on the post-WrestleMania edition of Smackdown this past Friday.
Gunther makes his SmackDown debut along with…Ludwig Kaiser ???? pic.twitter.com/3bdFNJ1bxl
— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) April 9, 2022
The name change created a lot of controversies online after it was revealed that ‘Gunther Stark’ was the name of a WWII Nazi soldier. WWE quickly took action and removed the ‘Stark’ and kept it as Gunther.
2. Butch (formerly Pete Dunne)
Pete Dunne is a former NXT UK Champion who debuted on Smackdown in early March. Pete Dunne appeared backstage before a tag team match against The New Day, Sheamus, and Ridge Holland. Sheamus introduced him as Butch.
????????????????????????????????????#SmackDown #Butch @WWESheamus @RidgeWWE pic.twitter.com/ok3AHpeBYf
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2022
According to Fightful Select, a former WWE star thought the name change was a reference to “Butch” from the 1950s’ Little Rascals. Others thought that the name could be related to the Bushwhackers because Holland’s real name is Luke.
3. Ludwig Kaiser (formerly Marcel Barthel)
Marcel Barthel performed on NXT along with fellow superstar Walter (now Gunther) as member of the stable “Imperium”. He is a former 2-time NXT Tag Team Champion. He made his main roster debut as Ludwig Kaiser alongside Gunther on the post-WrestleMania episode of Smackdown.
Music to Ludwig Kaiser’s ears.@Gunther_AUT‘s symphony of destruction is underway on the blue brand! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/mkfjkWnS5w
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2022
4. Theory (formerly Austin Theory)
Austin Theory is the latest superstar to undergo a name change in WWE. He debut on Monday Night Raw as a disciple of Seth Rollins during the latter’s “Messiah” days in 2020. He later re-debuted on Raw in October 2021. Austin Theory quickly became a protégé of Vince McMahon. The Chairman-CEO of WWE views the 24-year-old as a future “Universal Champion”. Austin Theory’s name was shortened to “Theory” on the latest episode of Raw. Theory is set to take on Finn Balor for the United States Championship next week.
Next Monday on #WWERaw@FinnBalor defends the #USTitle against Theory! pic.twitter.com/ZK6O9R3z8D
— WWE (@WWE) April 12, 2022
5. Ezekiel (formerly Elias)
Elias returned to WWE after a long hiatus at the post-WrestleMania edition of Raw. WWE had been running vignettes of Elias’ return for months.
Hey guys, since Elias is gone, I’ll be taking over his Twitter, I’m his younger brother – Ezekiel! https://t.co/PDXVlioGMR
— Ezekiel (Elias’ younger bro) (@IAmEliasWWE) April 5, 2022
Elias returned with a new look after he interrupted Kevin Owen while delivering a promo. He had shaved his beard and wore traditional ring attire. He claimed to be “Ezekiel” the younger brother of Elias.