Gunther confronts Rhodes over contract signing on SmackDown
Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes during the May 15 episode of Friday Night SmackDown after Paul Heyman arranged a title match for him at Clash in Italy. Rhodes set up the ring table and chairs for the contract signing. Gunther accused Rhodes of turning the moment into a personal showcase and demanded a professional response.
Rhodes replied that Gunther had already secured the opportunity through Heyman and challenged him to enter the ring and sign the documents. The exchange ended when Royce Keys interrupted, offered to sign the contract himself, and forced a match between the two later in the night.
Nick Aldis later announced the Gunther versus Keys main event after ruling that Gunther had lost his guaranteed title shot. Keys entered the match with Solo Sikoa at ringside. Gunther defeated Keys by pinfall following a powerbomb after a referee distraction.
Cody Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as he celebrated the victory. The result leaves the Undisputed WWE Championship picture open heading into Clash in Italy.
