Gunther rejects Rhodes contract demand during SmackDown confrontation
Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes on Friday Night SmackDown after Paul Heyman arranged a title match for Gunther at Clash in Italy against Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship. Rhodes entered the ring and prepared the contract table himself, but Gunther accused Rhodes of disrupting the planned process. The exchange ended without an immediate signing.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis intervened and stated that Gunther had overplayed his position, removing any guaranteed title opportunity. Aldis then scheduled a match between Gunther and newcomer Royce Keys for later in the evening. Keys had previously interrupted the segment and offered to sign the contract if Gunther declined.
Gunther defeated Keys in the main event after Solo Sikoa provided an outside distraction that allowed Gunther to deliver a powerbomb for the pinfall. Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind immediately after the match while Gunther was celebrating. Earlier in the show, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a separate match that featured multiple near-falls and a controversial finish using the ropes.
The outcome leaves the championship picture for Clash in Italy unresolved, with both Gunther and Keys now positioned for future opportunities depending on upcoming decisions by Aldis and Rhodes.
