The world of WWE has been abuzz with speculation after former WWE champion Giovanni Vinci teased a major character change on social media. The Italian superstar, who was recently drafted to WWE SmackDown, shared a graphic that bears a striking resemblance to his days in NXT.
This development comes on the heels of a brutal attack by his former stablemate Ludwig Kaiser on a recent edition of RAW.
The Imperium faction, which Vinci was a part of, underwent a significant shake-up after they lost to The New Day last month. Kaiser’s vicious attack on Vinci, which included a running dropkick while he was positioned on the steel steps, marked a turning point for the group.
Gunther, the leader of Imperium, gave Kaiser a nod of approval backstage following the attack, suggesting that Vinci’s time in the faction may be coming to an end.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling, Gunther revealed that he had been considering replacing Vinci in Imperium as far back as July. The Ring General stated that only the “absolute elite” deserved to be part of the group and that those who failed to deliver would face consequences.
It appears that Vinci’s failure to meet these expectations may have led to his eventual departure from Imperium.
Vinci’s character change could be a welcome development for fans who have grown accustomed to his heel persona in Imperium. His return to his NXT character could bring a fresh dynamic to the SmackDown roster and provide opportunities for new feuds and storylines.
Meanwhile, Gunther has declared for the King of the Ring tournament later this month, and it remains to be seen what WWE has planned for the former champion moving forward. Will he set his sights on a major title this year, or will he continue to focus on rebuilding Imperium in Vinci’s absence? One thing is certain – the world of WWE will be watching with bated breath as these two superstars go on their respective journeys.
