Gunther confronts Cody Rhodes over SmackDown contract signing
Gunther and Cody Rhodes met in the ring on Friday Night SmackDown to complete the contract for their Undisputed WWE Championship match at Clash in Italy. Rhodes set up the tables and chairs before Gunther arrived, prompting Gunther to accuse Rhodes of turning the moment into a personal spotlight. Rhodes responded by reminding Gunther that he had already secured the match through Paul Heyman.
During the exchange, Gunther stated that Rhodes made the arrival about himself in the same manner as many Americans and referenced Rhodes’ neck tattoo. Rhodes countered that Gunther had initiated the situation and insisted the contract would be signed inside the ring. The two continued to exchange words over who controlled the terms of the agreement.
Royce Keys then entered the ring and offered to sign the contract in Gunther’s place if he refused. General Manager Nick Aldis ruled that Gunther had forfeited his guaranteed title shot and scheduled a match between Gunther and Keys for later in the evening. Gunther defeated Keys after Solo Sikoa provided a distraction from ringside, allowing Gunther to secure the pinfall with a powerbomb.
Following the match, Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind while Gunther celebrated. Earlier in the show, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a United States Championship contender match after using the ropes for leverage during a pinfall attempt that the referee did not detect.
