Gunther accuses Cody Rhodes of making his SmackDown arrival about himself ‘just like a typical American’
Gunther rejects Rhodes contract demand on SmackDown
During the May 15, 2026 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Gunther declined to sign the contract for a title match against Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy. Rhodes had prepared the ring setup after Paul Heyman arranged the opportunity. Gunther accused Rhodes of turning the moment into a personal spotlight and refused to complete the signing on the spot.
The Austrian wrestler, standing 6-foot-4, told Rhodes that attention should remain on the contract and the upcoming championship opportunity rather than on Rhodes himself. Rhodes responded by placing the contract in the ring and asking Gunther to sign it to secure the match. Gunther insisted Rhodes address him professionally and use the word “please” before any agreement.
Newcomer Royce Keys then entered the ring and offered to sign the contract if Gunther would not. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis ruled that Gunther had forfeited his guaranteed title shot. Aldis scheduled an immediate main-event match between Gunther and Keys to determine who would advance.
In the main event, Solo Sikoa remained at ringside and attempted to influence Keys. After a referee bump, Sikoa slid a steel chair into the ring. Keys rejected the weapon, but the distraction allowed Gunther to deliver a powerbomb and secure the pinfall victory. Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as Gunther celebrated the win.
Earlier on the card, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints by roll-up after using the ropes for leverage. The victory marked Hayes’ return to the ring following his April 3 loss in a United States Championship rematch.
