Gunther rejects contract signing after Rhodes confrontation on SmackDown
Gunther refused to sign a contract for a title match against Cody Rhodes during Friday Night SmackDown after accusing the champion of turning the segment into a personal showcase. Rhodes had set up the ring table and chairs himself before Gunther entered and expressed frustration that his planned arrival on the brand had been interrupted. The exchange ended without an agreement, leaving the status of the proposed Clash in Italy championship match unresolved.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis later informed Gunther that his leverage had expired and scheduled an immediate match against newcomer Royce Keys. Keys had interrupted the earlier confrontation and offered to sign the contract if Gunther declined. The match served as the night’s main event and carried direct implications for future title contention.
Keys, who had been accompanied to ringside by Solo Sikoa, received a chair during the contest but returned it without use. Gunther capitalized on the distraction to deliver a powerbomb and secure the victory. Rhodes then attacked Gunther from behind as he celebrated, extending the ongoing tension between the two wrestlers.
The outcome leaves Gunther without a guaranteed championship opportunity at Clash in Italy while Rhodes remains the Undisputed WWE Champion heading into the coming weeks of programming.
