Gunther accuses Cody Rhodes of making his SmackDown arrival about himself ‘just like a typical American’
Gunther rejects Cody Rhodes contract setup on SmackDown
Paul Heyman arranged a title match for Gunther against Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy after Gunther declined to sign directly with SmackDown. Rhodes prepared the ring with tables and chairs and urged Gunther to finalize the agreement in the ring itself. Gunther accused Rhodes of turning the situation into a personal spotlight.
The confrontation centered on contract terms for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Rhodes, positioned as the face of the blue brand, pressed Gunther to appear and sign. Gunther stated he viewed the match as his own opportunity and asked Rhodes to handle the matter professionally.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis intervened after Gunther declined to sign and removed the guaranteed title shot. Aldis scheduled Gunther against Royce Keys for later in the evening. Keys entered the main event while receiving instructions from Solo Sikoa at ringside.
Gunther defeated Keys after a referee distraction allowed a powerbomb for the pin. Rhodes then attacked Gunther from behind as he celebrated the victory. Earlier in the show, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a match that featured multiple near falls and a controversial roll-up finish.
