Gunther rejects Rhodes contract demand on SmackDown

Gunther declined to sign a contract for a title match against Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy during Friday Night SmackDown. Rhodes set up the ring table and chairs while Gunther remained backstage. The Austrian wrestler later said Rhodes had interfered with his planned arrival on the show.

Paul Heyman arranged the proposed championship bout after Gunther did not complete a standard SmackDown contract. Rhodes told Gunther to enter the ring and sign the document. Gunther replied that Rhodes should address him professionally and say please.

Royce Keys then entered and offered to sign the contract himself. General manager Nick Aldis removed Gunther’s guaranteed title shot and scheduled a match between Gunther and Keys for later in the broadcast. Gunther defeated Keys after Solo Sikoa’s interference created a distraction.

Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind immediately after the match. Earlier in the show, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a separate contest to improve his standing on the brand.