Gunther Earns Undisputed WWE Title Shot, Laid Out By Cody Rhodes On WWE Smackdown

Gunther is heading to WWE Clash In Italy, earning an Undisputed WWE Title shot on WWE Smackdown before getting taken down by Cody Rhodes. As noted, Friday’s show saw Royce Keys slide his way into getting a #1 contender’s match against Gunther by calling the latter’s bluff when he stalled signing the contract. The match took place in the main event and saw Gunther taken to the limit by Keys.

The match went just under 16 minutes and came to a close when Solo Sikoa came down and slid Keys a chair. Keys rejected the offer, throwing the chair into Sikoa’s face before Gunther hit a lariat and folding powerbomb to earn the title shot.

After the match, Rhodes snuck up behind Gunther and caught him with a Cross Rhodes to leave him lying at the end of the show. You can see highlights from the WWE Smackdown match below.

WWE Clash in Italy takes place on May 31st at Inalpi Arena in Turin — well, Italy. The show airs live on Netflix internationally. Rhodes vs. Gunther is the first match set for the PLE.

Give it a rest, Solo.@RealRoyceKeys doesn't need your help. 😤 pic.twitter.com/kEATUzxfni

— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026

Doing it with ease. 😮‍💨@RealRoyceKeys has @Gunther_AUT all out of sorts! pic.twitter.com/yP3Rov8tw6

— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026

.@RealRoyceKeys and @Gunther_AUT are putting EVERYTHING on the line for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship! 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/qwaB29EjIx

— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026

GUNTHER is headed to ITALY. 👊

No thanks to Solo Sikoa, @Gunther_AUT takes down @RealRoyceKeys to become the NEW No. 1 Contender! pic.twitter.com/v8dThFyeaP

— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026

Welcome to #SmackDown, @Gunther_AUT. @CodyRhodes runs things on Friday nights! 😤 pic.twitter.com/zMzNPfvTk2

— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026