Gunther is officially heading to Clash in Italy after securing a major victory on Friday night’s episode of SmackDown.
It was confirmed during the show that Gunther will challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at the upcoming premium live event in Turin, Italy on May 31.
The title match became official after Gunther defeated Royce Keys in an impromptu number one contender’s match during the main event of SmackDown.
Earlier in the night, Rhodes entered the ring holding the championship contract that had been delivered to him by Paul Heyman the previous week. Rhodes called out Gunther and demanded that he come to the ring ready to sign the contract for their upcoming title showdown.
However, the former World Heavyweight Champion appeared more interested in playing mind games, repeatedly refusing to sign unless Rhodes asked him properly.
The situation quickly escalated when Royce Keys interrupted the segment and claimed that if Gunther did not want the opportunity, he would gladly take it himself. Their argument eventually led to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis booking an immediate number one contender’s match for later in the show.
During the closing moments of the match, Solo Sikoa attempted to get involved by bringing a steel chair into the ring despite Keys previously making it clear he did not want outside help. Keys responded by throwing the chair directly at Sikoa, knocking him off the apron and temporarily neutralizing the distraction.
Moments later, Gunther regained control and finished the match with a powerbomb to secure the victory and officially punch his ticket to Clash in Italy.
Jade Cargill Teases Women’s Title Match
Elsewhere on SmackDown, Jade Cargill declared that she plans to reclaim the WWE Women’s Championship from Rhea Ripley at Clash in Italy, although the match has not yet been officially announced by WWE.
What was confirmed for Saturday Night’s Main Event is a major six-woman tag team match featuring Cargill teaming with Michin and B-Fab against the team of Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss.
With Clash in Italy quickly approaching, WWE’s championship picture is continuing to take shape — and the showdown between Cody Rhodes and Gunther is already being viewed as one of the biggest matches of the year.
