Full Breakdown
GUNTHER Secures Number One Contender Spot on SmackDown’s Columbia Show
5/16/2026, 9:32:59 PM
GUNTHER Secures Number One Contender Spot
On May 15, 2024, WWE Friday Night SmackDown aired from the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. GUNTHER defeated Royce Keys in a number-one-contender match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, earning a title shot against Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy on May 31 in Turin.
Background
The bout concluded a feud that began when GUNTHER attacked Rhodes on the May 1 episode, leading to a contract-signing segment on the Columbia show. Rhodes had already agreed to face GUNTHER at Italy event, while GUNTHER demanded a formal signing and accused Rhodes of self-promotion.
Key Figures
- GUNTHER – Austrian powerhouse, number-one contender.
- Cody Rhodes – Former champion, slated opponent for Clash in Italy.
- Royce Keys – Former champion, challenger defeated on SmackDown.
Official Statements & Responses
GUNTHER publicly claimed Rhodes turned the contract negotiation into a spotlight, emphasizing the extensive planning behind the roster transfer. Rhodes responded by demanding an immediate signature and warned GUNTHER of a physical response at the Italy event. After the main event, Rhodes entered the ring and delivered his signature Cross-Rhodes to GUNTHER, reinforcing his challenge.
Criticism & Opposition
GUNTHER labeled Rhodes’s behavior as “American” self-promotion and accused him of “crying” when not the focus. Rhodes retorted that GUNTHER would be “kicked” at Clash in Italy, framing the dispute as a clash of egos as well as titles.
Quotes
- “Do you know how much time and work it took to set up the deal? … we’re talking the roster transfer of the best wrestler in WWE, and still you find a way to make it about yourself, just like a typical American.” — GUNTHER, Wrestler
- “Please come to this ring, sign this contract, so that you’re guaranteed to get your a– kicked at Clash in Italy.” — Cody Rhodes, Wrestler
- “I have all of the formal ingredients for a contract signing. A contract for Gunther to come to SmackDown, a contract for a WWE Championship match at Clash in Italy, and that’s what we’re going to do, right here, right now.” — Cody Rhodes, Wrestler
- “Everybody acts so tough when Jade Cargill ain’t in the building, but when my music hits, everybody seems to get real quiet. … The WWE Women’s Championship is coming home with me at Clash in Italy.” — Jade Cargill, Wrestler
What's Next
Clash in Italy on May 31 in Turin will feature GUNTHER vs. Cody Rhodes for Undisputed WWE Championship. The following SmackDown airs from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, with a Talla Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura match announced. Saturday Night’s Main Event follows on May 23 from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on match results and storyline progression; no contradictory information was identified.
