WWE receives a very concerning warning about Gunther's immediate future (Exclusive)

He's been the World Heavyweight Champion since August, and all eyes are on Gunther and WWE's plans for him heading into the new year. Dutch Mantell, despite being a fan of the champ, has cautioned the company about what lies ahead for Gunther.

After having a record-breaking reign as the Intercontinental Champion, winning the World Title was the logical next step for Gunther, and he's held onto the title after facing a few stiff challenges.

As things stand, WWE hasn't revealed Gunther's next big feud, and Dutch Mantell hopes the promotion doesn't give up on the Austrian star. While speaking on Smack Talk, Mantell admitted he was a massive admirer of Gunther and even joked the superstar paid him money for his public praise.

Mantell pointed out that Gunther was a "project" for the WWE that needed utmost care and attention.

"I'm a huge fan! He pays me like 100 dollars a month to put me over! I wouldn't be mad (if Gunther wasn't champion heading into 'Mania). They can always put it on him. But I think that he is a project that they have committed to and two years have gone into this guy. He has been on the main lineup, okay three years." [From 57:08 - 57:49]

Mantell warned that one bad move could potentially kill Gunther for now, even though there is always a possibility of building him back up into a dominant talent.

However, Dutch was also seemingly certain that WWE would not make any errors with Gunther and said that the Imperium leader was the perfect man to back as your top guy.

"I think they have a massive investment in him and they are going to be very careful what position they put him in because a bad move could kill him. Not kill him off, because you can rehabilitate him, but you've got to do the right thing with him and I think they will. Gunther is a good choice." [From 57:50 onwards]

Everyone wants a hint regarding who Gunther's World Title opponents would be heading into the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania and, more so, whether he'd still be champion before the shows take center stage.

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Please give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.