Gief is more of a big slow "heavy punish character". While Alex is more of a bulky bruiser. When I look at a power character, I think of them as a three scoop Neapolitan Icecream, you get three scoops of the same flavors of ice cream, but what specific kind of flavor do you want? French Vanilla or Vanilla Bean? Regular Chocolate or Dutch Chocolate? Strawberry flavored or the shit with actual strawberries in it? The point I am getting to is what flavor of character do you want? Pick one of three from each category.
Heavyweight or Cruiserweight?
In fighting (i.e. boxing, wrestling, ect.) you are designated to a weight class to attempt balance. Heavyweight is kinda sorta an "anything goes" class. While Cruiserweight is the class right below a Heavyweight. Cruiserweights tend to be surprisingly agile while still hitting hard. While heavies are big slow and Tanky. Examples of heavyweights in fighting games are Bowser, Zangief, and Potekemin. Examples of Cruiserweights are King, Ike, Beowulf, and of course Alex.
Striker or Grappler?
This one is pretty self explanatory, do you like guys who punch or kick shit really hard? Or guys who grab ya? Strikers tend to emphasize either heavy stun or heavy hits. While grapples tend to be flashier and aimed to be hard damage or mind gamesy. Am I going to hit ya? Or grab ya? Examples of strikers are Balrog, Ike, and Bison. Examples of grapplers are Zangief, King, Jax, or wait for it, Alex.
Your last scoop is "Heavy Punish" or "Bruiser"?
A heavy punish character is someone who waits for you to make the first move and punishes you accordingly with something solid and painful. Whether it be a spinning piledriver or DAS BOOT 2 DA FAIC!?! While "Bruisers" are more "in your face" or rushdown-y. The first intimidates you by existing while the latter intimidates you because everywhere you go THEY ARE RIGHT FUCKING THERE! Forcing you to make mistakes out of fear. Some examples of heavy punish are Zangief, Ganondorf, And Balrog. Examples of bruisers are Bowser, Abel, Kanji, and well... Alex.