Gunther rejects Cody Rhodes contract demands on SmackDown
Gunther confronted Cody Rhodes on Friday Night SmackDown after Paul Heyman arranged a title match at Clash in Italy for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Rhodes prepared the ring for contract signing, but Gunther objected to the timing and setup. The confrontation ended without an agreement.
Gunther claimed Rhodes had disrupted his planned approach to joining the brand. Rhodes countered that Gunther had initiated contact through Heyman and must appear in the ring to complete the deal. The exchange centered on the location and manner of the signing.
Royce Keys interrupted and offered to sign in Gunther's place. General manager Nick Aldis ruled that Gunther had forfeited the guaranteed opportunity and scheduled a match between Gunther and Keys for later in the show. Gunther defeated Keys after a distraction involving Solo Sikoa.
Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as Gunther celebrated the victory. Earlier in the evening, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a United States Championship contender match after using the ropes for leverage on a roll-up pin.
