Gunther criticizes Rhodes for turning SmackDown signing into personal spotlight

During the May 15, 2026 edition of Friday Night SmackDown at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, Gunther publicly accused Cody Rhodes of shifting attention toward himself while negotiations for a championship match were underway. The confrontation occurred after Gunther secured a title opportunity at Clash in Italy through Paul Heyman and then delayed signing the contract. Rhodes prepared the ring for the signing and addressed Gunther directly on the matter.

Gunther claimed Rhodes had interfered with his planned approach to joining the SmackDown roster. Rhodes countered that Gunther had already benefited from Heyman’s assistance and urged him to sign the contract in the ring. The exchange took place with both men standing in the ring before the scheduled main event.

After the verbal exchange, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis announced that Gunther’s title shot would no longer be guaranteed. He scheduled an immediate match between Gunther and Royce Keys, who had offered to sign the contract himself. Gunther defeated Keys in the main event after Solo Sikoa’s interference created a distraction, allowing Gunther to secure the pinfall.

Following the match, Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as Gunther celebrated. Earlier in the night, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints in a separate match while both wrestlers positioned themselves as potential contenders for the United States Championship.