Cody Rhodes is no stranger to having a target on his back. GUNTHER is ready to take on the American Nightmare, who had a contract in hand as he walked into SmackDown this week.
The May 15 episode of WWE SmackDown went down at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. This was a fun episode, and it was also important for the Ring General.
GUNTHER is no stranger to turning heads as he destroys his opponent’s chest cavity. In recent memory, he has set his target on Cody Rhodes. The World Heavyweight Champion has a very tough test ahead of him.
Cody Rhodes made his way out to the ring during the second hour of this week’s SmackDown. With a contract in hand, he wanted GUNTHER’s signature for an Undisputed World Title match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. He started off the segment by filling the ring with two desk chairs and a table that he threw into the ring. After redecorating, Cody Rhodes cut a little promo, and then GUNTHER came out to join him.
GUNTHER was very confident that he would beat Cody Rhodes for the title as he cut a promo on his way to the ring. Cody Rhodes reminded GUNTHER that he got Paul Heyman to cash in his favor for this match, he jumped Cody, and then Rhodes said, “Please come to the ring and sign this contract so you’re guaranteed to get your ass kicked at Clash in Italy.”
As GUNTHER answered Cody Rhodes, Royce Keys made his way out. He said, “If you won’t sign it, I will.” Then Royce jumped the line, went to the ring, and tried to sign the contract. GUNTHER slid in the ring, and they fought over who would hold the pen. At that point, General Manager Nick Aldis came out to book a #1 contender’s match because GUNTHER waited too long to sign the contract.
When the main event finally came, GUNTHER and Royce Keys found themselves battling all over the ring. GUNTHER took control of the match as they cut to a commercial break, and Royce was selling an arm injury by the time we came back. Still, he was able to put up quite a fight.
Near the end of the match, Solo Sikoa showed up to get a closer look. Royce Keys started to rally, but then the referee was knocked down. Solo slid a chair into the ring for Royce, and he picked it up. Suddenly, Keys hit Solo with the chair instead, but that gave GUNTHER a chance to get up and level the former AEW TNT Champion for the win. During GUNTHER’s celebration, Cody Rhodes snuck up and laid him out with a Crossroads.
WWE Clash in Italy is set for Sunday, May 31, 2026, from the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy, marking a historic Premium Live Event for the company. Only time will tell if we see a title change, but it will certainly include a hard-hitting match. We also know that GUNTHER will do whatever it takes to win the title.
What’s your take on GUNTHER’s SmackDown appearance? Do you think he is in line to get the title once again? Let us know what you think in the comments section!