Story perspectives

Gunther vs Rhodes Rematch Set for June 19 SmackDown

6/7/2026

Summary

Gunther Rematch

WWE champion Gunther will have a rematch on the June 19 SmackDown episode in Kansas City.
WWE champion Gunther threatened to file a lawsuit over the injustice at Clash in Italy after losing the title to WWE star Rhodes.
WWE star Rhodes chose the June 19 date because he wanted the match promptly.
WWE rules require the count to stop when a wrestler’s feet are under the rope at the start.

Summary

Aldis Secures Rematch

Nick Aldis asked Cody Rhodes on SmackDown if he still wanted rematch, received confirmation, and said Gunther will announce the stipulation next week, setting up a Kansas City match.
Sami Zayn’s feud with Rhodes intensified after a suicide-dive accident.
Speculation links Sami Zayn to a triple-threat title bout in Saudi Arabia.
Each Fatal 4-Way winner in the King and Queen of the Ring tournament now earns a guaranteed title shot.

Summary

SmackDown Goes London

WWE SmackDown airs June 19 on USA Network in U.S., streams on Netflix internationally, and hosts championship bout at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Nick Aldis said Gunther’s attorneys will reveal a condition on week’s SmackDown and that Cody Rhodes will defend his title on June 19 despite it.
June 26 episode will be pre-taped in London, England, serving as U.S. show before Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia on June 27.

Summary

Gunther Accuses

Gunther smashed the tables on SmackDown’s opening segment in Bologna, Italy, and accused Cody Rhodes of cheating after the Clash in Italy title loss.
Cody Rhodes acknowledged the rope-foot controversy but rebuked Gunther for complaining instead of professionalism.
Sami Zayn entered the fray, claimed both wronged him, and forced Gunther to lock Rhodes in a sleeper hold.
Fightful gave the segment a B- rating, noting lost momentum after participants joined.

History

Historical Context

On November 9 1997, Vince McMahon ordered referee Earl Hebner to end Bret Hart’s title match with Shawn Michaels, creating the infamous Montreal Screwjob and spawning the on-screen “Mr. McMahon” villain that launched WWE’s Attitude Era. The incident’s $3 million lawsuit threat still echoes, as today’s SmackDown clash between Gunther and Cody Rhodes revives contract-dispute storylines ahead of the June 27 Saudi Night of Champions.

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Gunther Rematch

WWE champion Gunther will have a rematch on the June 19 SmackDown episode in Kansas City.
WWE champion Gunther threatened to file a lawsuit over the injustice at Clash in Italy after losing the title to WWE star Rhodes.
WWE star Rhodes chose the June 19 date because he wanted the match promptly.
WWE rules require the count to stop when a wrestler’s feet are under the rope at the start.

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