Gunther confronts Rhodes over contract signing at SmackDown

Gunther addressed the ring on Friday Night SmackDown after Paul Heyman arranged a title match for him against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy. Rhodes set up the contract tables and chairs in the ring and waited for Gunther to appear. Gunther accused Rhodes of turning the moment into a personal issue and demanded he act professionally.

Rhodes replied that Gunther had already used Heyman to secure the opportunity and challenged him to come to the ring and sign the agreement. The two wrestlers exchanged words over who was making the situation about themselves. Rhodes offered to say “please” if it would bring Gunther forward to complete the paperwork.

Before Gunther could sign, newcomer Royce Keys entered the ring and offered to take the contract instead. Gunther removed the pen from Keys and the two men later met in the main event. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis ruled that Gunther had forfeited any guaranteed title shot by delaying the signing and made the match between the two official for later in the night.

Keys competed with Solo Sikoa at ringside. The match ended when a referee distraction allowed Gunther to powerbomb Keys for the pinfall victory. Rhodes then attacked Gunther from behind as he celebrated. Earlier in the evening, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a United States Championship contender’s match after using the ropes for leverage on a roll-up pin.