WWE SmackDown’s latest episode in Barcelona, Spain, featured a highly anticipated match between World Heavyweight Champion Gunther and NXT Tag Team Champion Axiom. Despite the home crowd’s support, Axiom couldn’t secure the victory against The Ring General. However, he remains determined to bounce back from the loss.
Axiom Makes His SmackDown Debut Against Gunther
Axiom, one of NXT’s rising stars, made his main roster debut on the March 14, 2025, edition of SmackDown, facing Gunther in a singles match. The 27-year-old showcased his agility, speed, and technical prowess, but the Austrian powerhouse proved too dominant, ultimately securing the win.
Despite falling short, Axiom’s valiant effort won over the WWE Universe, especially in his home country of Spain.
Axiom’s Emotional Reaction After His Loss
Following his match, Axiom spoke with Cathy Kelly in a SmackDown exclusive interview, where he expressed disappointment over his defeat. He admitted feeling as though he had let down his family, friends, and tag team partner, Nathan Frazer.
“I feel like I let my entire family down. I feel like I let all my friends down. I feel like I let my tag team partner down tonight. But at the same time, tonight I felt loved. Tonight I felt hope. Hope that one day I will step back in that ring and I will claim that championship. That one day I’ll step back in that ring and I will defeat Gunther.”
While the loss was tough, Axiom remained optimistic, promising to step back inside the ring in the future to get his revenge against Gunther.
Vince Russo Criticizes Gunther for a Competitive Match Against Axiom
The match received mixed reactions from wrestling veterans. Vince Russo, a former WWE writer, criticized Gunther for allowing Axiom to get in too much offense, arguing that the World Heavyweight Champion should have maintained a more dominant presence.
Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s BroDown, Russo questioned the decision to book Gunther in a competitive bout against a much smaller opponent.
“Freaking Gunther cannot be selling to some jabrone because he’s from Spain. Gunther is the one that’s gotta say, ‘Guys, I am the World Champion, I am getting ready to go to WrestleMania, you want me to sell for a guy that nobody knows? He’s half my size. Because he is Spanish and we’re in Barcelona?’ He’s got to say, ‘No, I am not doing that.'”
Russo believes that Gunther should have dominated Axiom without giving him much offense, especially since the champion is heading toward a title defense at WrestleMania 41.
What’s Next for Gunther and Axiom?
Gunther remains focused on The Road to WrestleMania 41, where he is set to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso in Las Vegas. His victory over Axiom further solidified his dominance, but will he be able to retain his title against one of WWE’s top challengers?
Meanwhile, Axiom’s SmackDown debut was impressive despite the loss. Given his determination and the crowd’s support, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get more opportunities on the main roster in the coming months.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if Gunther continues his reign of dominance or if a new champion will emerge on the grandest stage of them all.
FAQs
Did Axiom win against Gunther on SmackDown?
No, Axiom lost to Gunther in a competitive match on WWE SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain.
What did Axiom say after his loss to Gunther?
Axiom expressed disappointment, saying he felt like he let his family and friends down. However, he remains hopeful for a future rematch.
Why did Vince Russo criticize Gunther’s match against Axiom?
Russo argued that Gunther should have dominated the match instead of allowing Axiom, a smaller opponent, to compete on an even level.
Is Gunther defending his title at WrestleMania 41?
Yes, Gunther is set to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.
Will Axiom get another match against Gunther?
Axiom has vowed to step back in the ring with Gunther in the future, but WWE has not confirmed a rematch yet.
