Gunther demands Rhodes sign contract after SmackDown confrontation
On the May 15 edition of SmackDown, Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes over the process of signing a contract for a title match at Clash in Italy. After Heyman arranged the bout for Gunther, Rhodes prepared the ring and waited for Gunther to appear and finalize the agreement.
Gunther accused Rhodes of turning the moment into a personal showcase and demanded a professional approach to the signing. Rhodes replied that Gunther had initiated contact through Heyman and offered to complete the paperwork in the ring before the match at Clash in Italy.
Royce Keys interrupted the exchange and attempted to sign the contract himself. Gunther took the pen, prompting general manager Nick Aldis to declare the title opportunity no longer guaranteed and to schedule a main-event match between Gunther and Keys later in the night.
During the main event, Solo Sikoa remained at ringside and offered Keys a chair while the referee was down. Keys rejected the weapon, allowing Gunther to deliver a powerbomb and secure the victory. Rhodes then attacked Gunther from behind as Gunther celebrated.
