Gunther clashes with Cody Rhodes and Royce Keys on SmackDown
Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes during the contract signing for their title match at Clash in Italy after Rhodes set up the ring himself and addressed Gunther directly. Gunther accused Rhodes of turning the segment into a personal matter and demanded professional conduct, including the word “please.” Rhodes countered that Gunther had already secured the match through Paul Heyman and challenged him to sign the contract on the spot.
The exchange escalated when Royce Keys interrupted and offered to sign the contract in Gunther’s place. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis ruled that Gunther had forfeited his guaranteed shot and scheduled a match between Gunther and Keys for later that night.
Keys entered the main event with Solo Sikoa at ringside. Gunther defeated Keys after a distraction allowed him to deliver a powerbomb for the pinfall. Rhodes then attacked Gunther from behind as Gunther celebrated the victory.
Earlier in the episode, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a United States Championship contender’s match by rolling him up and using the ropes for leverage after Saints argued with the referee.
