The controversy erupted following the Heisman ceremony where Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza became the program's inaugural winner. Pavia joined Mendoza, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State's Julian Sayin as the four finalists gathered in New York, reports the Irish Star.

Flair spoke highly of the 38-year-old: "For Gunther, I haven’t watched him enough, but what they find fascinating about Gunther is his look. He has a tremendous look. Because when he wrestled Pat McAfee. Pat McAfee was 10 times the athlete that he is. But Gunther has a great look. His facials are great and all that.