Gunther demands Rhodes sign title contract after clash on SmackDown
Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes on the latest edition of Friday Night SmackDown after the two men failed to complete a contract signing for a championship match at Clash in Italy. Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE Champion, set up the ring equipment himself before Gunther arrived, leading to a tense exchange over the terms of their agreement.
The confrontation escalated when Gunther accused Rhodes of turning the moment into a personal spotlight. Rhodes countered that Gunther had already secured a favor from Paul Heyman to arrange the title opportunity, insisting the contract signing take place immediately in the ring.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis intervened and declared that Gunther had forfeited his automatic title shot by refusing to sign. Aldis then booked Gunther against newcomer Royce Keys in the main event, with the winner earning consideration for a future championship match.
Keys, accompanied by Solo Sikoa, competed aggressively but was unable to secure the victory after interference and a distraction allowed Gunther to deliver a powerbomb for the pin. Rhodes attacked Gunther immediately after the bell, setting up further tension ahead of their scheduled clash in Italy.
