Surprising controversy surrounding historic WWE spectacle in Berlin

For the fans in the arena, it was the brilliant highlight of a festive evening – and it was audible and tangible at every moment.

Bash in Berlin, the historic first major event on German soil, ended with the biggest victory to date for Günther, the world champion from Austria. The “Ring General” defeated the living legend Randy Orton in an enormously atmospheric battle lasting over 30 minutes per submission – the duel ended with a handshake in which the 14-time world champion Orton was awarded the world title for the first time a few weeks ago. Günther paid his respects. (NEWS: All the latest news about WWE)

Most fans and critics saw the match as an epic showdown between two exceptional performers from different generations – but there are other voices as well.

In the hours following the match, a debate about the match developed, which may have surprised many people with its stark contrasting views. Icon Ric Flair also joined in with an opinion that not everyone may share.

For long-time wrestling reporter Wade Keller of Pro Wrestling Torch the pace of the fight was too slow despite the “epic vibe” – and he expressed suspicion that it was not entirely voluntary.

“Orton too often appeared spun around 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.” had begun with a higher work rate.”

Some fans on social media also criticized 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 slow. Some discussions arose as to whether the large muscle mass he gained with his comeback from a serious injury last year had made him too bulky. The “Viper” is said to currently weigh just under 130 kilos.

However, many other observers had a completely opposite impression – and found the speed to be just right.

“It was a highly professional old-school match. “It lasted about 35 minutes, but it didn’t feel like it,” said Bryan Alvarez on the radio show of the scene’s leading media Wrestling Observer.

Observer editor Dave Meltzer, America’s best-known wrestling journalist, agreed, saying that the pace of the match was what made it so artful. He compared the match to the matches of Japanese wrestler Kazuchika Okada and Southern legend Dick Murdoch.

“It was very slow, but that’s the secret of Okada,” Meltzer explained: “You start slowly, not too slowly, but so slowly that time passes quickly without you noticing.” Dick Murdoch was really good at that too. It was really well done, a great match.”

The situation is similar with the Canadian fan account PW Chroniclewho spoke of a “master class” and praised Orton 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 protégé even more remarkable than that of Gunther, who was seven years younger. His commentary on the fight even read as if he felt that Gunther’s clear victory over Orton was not quite deserved.

“Gunther, you are a talented man, I respect you,” Flair wrote on X. “Randy Orton is one of the greatest of all time. I hope you make it into that category someday. Maybe not today though. You are a great talent, but still a long way from Randy Orton! Until someone proves otherwise, Randy Orton is the best worker in WWE.”

Opinions may differ so much – but one thing is certain: Orton intends to cement his reputation for a long time to come.

While his old companion and rival John Cena will finally retire next year, Orton has just signed a new 5-year contract with WWE and still has a lot ahead of him if his body can keep up.

Anyone who has heard how the fans in Berlin reacted to Orton can hardly be surprised that the “Legend Killer” has no desire to end his current wave of enormous popularity.