Gunther demands Cody Rhodes sign Clash in Italy contract on SmackDown
Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes on Friday Night SmackDown after Paul Heyman arranged a title match for him at Clash in Italy. Rhodes set up the contract table in the ring and urged Gunther to sign, but the Austrian wrestler accused Rhodes of turning the moment into a personal spotlight. Royce Keys then entered the ring and attempted to sign the document himself, prompting Gunther to intervene.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis ruled that Gunther had forfeited his guaranteed opportunity by refusing to sign. Aldis scheduled a main-event match between Gunther and Keys to determine who would face Rhodes at Clash in Italy. Solo Sikoa accompanied Keys to ringside and attempted to persuade him to join his group during the bout.
Gunther defeated Keys after a referee distraction allowed him to deliver a powerbomb for the pinfall. Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as he celebrated the victory. Earlier in the evening, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a singles match, using a roll-up and rope leverage to secure the win after Saints argued with the referee.
The outcomes leave Gunther positioned for another opportunity at Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship while Hayes and Saints continue their pursuit of the United States title picture.
