Gunther clashes with Cody Rhodes over contract signing on SmackDown
Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes during the Friday Night SmackDown broadcast after Paul Heyman arranged a title match between the two at Clash in Italy. Rhodes entered the ring first and prepared the contract tables and chairs while waiting for Gunther to appear. Gunther accused Rhodes of turning the situation into a personal spotlight issue and demanded he act professionally.
Rhodes replied that Gunther had used Heyman to secure the opportunity and challenged him to enter the ring and sign the document. The exchange ended when newcomer Royce Keys interrupted, offering to sign the contract himself if Gunther refused. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis then ruled that Gunther had forfeited his guaranteed title shot and scheduled a match between Gunther and Keys for later in the show.
Keys competed in the main event with Solo Sikoa at ringside urging him to align with his group. Gunther secured the victory with a powerbomb after the referee recovered from an earlier distraction involving a chair. Rhodes then attacked Gunther from behind as he celebrated.
The opening bout between Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints also advanced the United States Championship picture. Hayes defeated Saints via roll-up after using the ropes for leverage, which the referee did not detect. The result positions both wrestlers among the emerging contenders on the brand.
