Gunther blames Rhodes for turning contract signing into personal spotlight
Gunther accused Cody Rhodes of making the contract signing for their upcoming title match about himself during the May 15, 2026 edition of Friday Night SmackDown. The confrontation followed Rhodes setting up the ring for the signing after Gunther had secured a championship opportunity at Clash in Italy through Paul Heyman.
Addressing Rhodes in the ring, Gunther claimed the American wrestler had interrupted his planned arrival on the blue brand. Rhodes countered that Gunther had used Heyman to gain the title shot and invited him to sign the contract in the ring, adding that he would deliver the requested courtesy once Gunther appeared.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis later told Gunther he had overplayed his position and removed the guaranteed title match. A main-event contest was instead scheduled between Gunther and newcomer Royce Keys, with the winner positioned for a future championship opportunity.
Keys entered the match under pressure from Solo Sikoa to align with his group. Gunther defeated Keys after Sikoa’s interference created an opening, allowing Gunther to powerbomb and pin his opponent.
