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On the Road to the 2024 WWE Draft, one RAW tag team already looks different after Ludwig Kaiser's action on the latest episode.
Following another loss to The New Day, Kaiser snapped at his long-time teammate. Like Solo Sikoa on SmackDown, Kaiser hugged his former friend before unleashing a brutal attack on him.
With WWE in a new era and things slated to change in the Draft, Ludwig Kaiser could have betrayed his teammate for one of the next four reasons.
#4. It splits up a group before the WWE Draft
This week's SmackDown and next week's RAW will shake up the rosters of both brands. The dissipation of existing teams and factions is always a possibility during the events of the Draft.
By attacking his stablemate before the event even starts, one potential team split is off the table. Fans now know that Imperium is no more after Kaiser betrayed his partner on RAW.
This can free up some other teams or groups to be split without having too much for the WWE Universe to digest all at once.
#3. Giovanni Vinci's latest failure on RAW
When Imperium lost any match - even with Gunther's participation - it was usually Giovanni Vinci eating the pinfall. That was evident again tonight as The Ring General looked on with disgust after another loss to The New Day.
There was even a brief angle last year when Gunther held each star accountable for the other's failures. Kaiser has long been the default mouthpiece of the faction when the former Intercontinental Champion wasn't present for a show.
While Gunther was away at various points, the duo had trouble building a winning streak. Ludwig Kaiser had enough of the losses and blindsided his friend.
#2. It opens up a spot in the group
If things are really going to change in the Draft, then Kaiser's betrayal was done for a strategic reason. Giovanni Vinci was seen as a deadweight by Gunther and Kaiser. The Ring General's reaction backstage as Kaiser walked through the curtain confirmed that feeling.
Excommunicating one member from the group could open the door for a new member. Ilja Dragunov already declared himself for the 2024 WWE Draft, telegraphing his moves this week.
The Mad Dragon has a history with Gunther and could be added to the group to make it more formidable. Solo Sikoa is doing the same thing on SmackDown. If Dragunov isn't added, another performer like Ridge Holland or Joe Coffey could be.
#1. Kaiser always seeks to please Gunther
Gunther is the leader of Imperium and everything that his group does is reflected on him. It's eerily similar to how Roman Reigns acted whenever a member of the Bloodline was unable to carry out his orders.
Kaiser has always catered to Gunther's needs and demands, even announcing him to the ring for marquee matches. Since The Ring General gave Kaiser a look of disgust, he knew he had to make Gunther happy.
Taking care of the perceived deadweight that was Vinci pleased Gunther as he smiled in approval backstage after the attack.
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