Gunther accuses Cody Rhodes of making his SmackDown arrival about himself ‘just like a typical American’

Gunther rejects Rhodes contract offer on SmackDown

Gunther declined to sign a contract presented by Cody Rhodes on Friday Night SmackDown after Paul Heyman arranged a title match between the two at Clash in Italy. Rhodes set up the ring for the signing and urged Gunther to step forward, but Gunther accused Rhodes of turning the moment into a personal showcase. The confrontation ended without an agreement.

Royce Keys then entered the ring and offered to sign the contract himself if Gunther refused. Gunther seized the pen from Keys, prompting SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis to declare that Gunther had forfeited any guaranteed title opportunity. Aldis scheduled a match between Gunther and Keys for later that night.

Keys competed with Solo Sikoa at ringside, but Gunther secured the victory after a referee distraction and a powerbomb pinfall. Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind immediately after the match as Gunther celebrated. The result leaves the title match at Clash in Italy unresolved.

Earlier on the same episode, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a United States Championship contender’s match. Hayes used a roll-up while holding the ropes for leverage after referee Charles Robinson missed the infraction, earning the pinfall victory.