Gunther blames Cody Rhodes for turning contract talks into personal spotlight
During the May 15, 2026 edition of Friday Night SmackDown at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes over the process of finalizing a contract for a title match at Clash in Italy. Rhodes had set up tables and chairs in the ring while awaiting Gunther’s arrival after Paul Heyman arranged the opportunity. Gunther stated that Rhodes had interfered with his planning and made the moment about himself.
After Gunther declined to sign the contract immediately, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis declared that Gunther was no longer guaranteed the match. Aldis scheduled Gunther against newcomer Royce Keys for the main event. Keys entered the ring prepared to sign if Gunther refused, but Gunther took the pen and the two wrestlers competed for the right to challenge Rhodes.
Keys received outside support from Solo Sikoa during the match. When the referee was down, Sikoa slid a chair into the ring, but Keys rejected it. Gunther capitalized on the distraction, powerbombed Keys, and secured the victory. Rhodes then attacked Gunther from behind as the latter celebrated.
Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints earlier in the show after using the ropes for leverage on a roll-up that went unseen by the referee. Both wrestlers were positioned as potential contenders for the United States Championship.
