Add as a preferred source on Google Gunther is officially in line for the Undisputed WWE Championship. In the main event of this week’s Friday Night SmackDown, the “Ring General” defeated Royce Keys to become Cody Rhodes’ challenger at Clash In Italy.
The title situation had been building since last week, when Paul Heyman repaid the favor he owed Gunther and cleared the way for a contract for Rhodes’ title. WWE had also left it open whether the Austrian would agree to move to SmackDown to face the American Nightmare.
On Friday’s show, however, Keys tried to take the opportunity for himself. Nick Aldis then made the match between the two official, with the winner earning a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship at WWE’s next premium live event.
GUNTHER is headed to ITALY. 👊
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
No thanks to Solo Sikoa, @Gunther_AUT takes down @RealRoyceKeys to become the NEW No. 1 Contender! pic.twitter.com/v8dThFyeaP
The finish saw direct interference from Solo Sikoa, who came out to support Keys and offered him a chair. The young wrestler, however, refused to use the object and ended up hitting Solo.
The distraction was enough for Gunther to take advantage. The former World Heavyweight Champion hit Keys with a Clothesline, followed by a Tiger Bomb, securing the pinfall and the win.
With that, Cody Rhodes now has his next major challenge set. Clash In Italy will take place on May 31 at Inalpi Arena in Turin, marking WWE’s first premium live event on Italian soil.