Gunther clashes with Cody Rhodes after interrupting contract signing on SmackDown
During the May 15, 2026 episode of Friday Night SmackDown at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes over the arrangement of a title match at Clash in Italy. Gunther objected to Rhodes setting up the contract table and chair in the ring, claiming the move disrupted his planned approach to joining the roster. Rhodes countered that Gunther had already secured the match through Paul Heyman and told him to sign the document in the ring.
Interrupting the exchange, wrestler Royce Keys entered the ring and offered to sign the contract in Gunther’s place. Gunther seized the pen, preventing Keys from completing the signature. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis then ruled that Gunther had forfeited his guaranteed title opportunity and scheduled a match between Gunther and Keys for later that night.
With Solo Sikoa at ringside, Gunther defeated Keys after a distraction allowed him to execute a powerbomb for the pinfall. Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as the match concluded. Earlier in the program, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a non-title match, using a roll-up and the ropes for leverage after referee Charles Robinson missed the illegal hold.
The victory keeps Gunther in contention for a future championship opportunity while Rhodes remains the Undisputed WWE Champion heading into the Clash in Italy event.
