Add as a preferred source on Google Paul Heyman has finally revealed the favor he owed Gunther. On this week’s Friday Night SmackDown, the WWE Hall of Famer handed Cody Rhodes a contract for an Undisputed WWE Championship match against the “Ring General.”
Gunther was officially introduced as the newest member of the SmackDown roster after attacking Rhodes last week, just moments after the champion’s victory over Ricky Saints. Backstage, Nick Aldis made it clear that the prior attack was unacceptable, but confirmed the Austrian’s arrival on the blue brand.
The reveal came when Heyman interrupted Rhodes in the ring and stated that he had not become Gunther’s manager. According to Heyman, the contract was simply repayment of the debt he incurred when Gunther saved him from Seth Rollins ahead of WrestleMania 42.
WOW 😲@HeymanHustle has informed @CodyRhodes that @Gunther_AUT wants his Title match at Clash in Italy! pic.twitter.com/I35Zz48EwZ
— WWE (@WWE) May 9, 2026
Rhodes wanted to settle things right then and there in Jacksonville, but Heyman said the match wouldn’t go down that night — or even on U.S. soil. If the contract gets signed, the bout will take place at Clash in Italy in Turin.
The event is set for May 31 at the Inalpi Arena and will mark the first premium live event in WWE history on Italian soil.
Gunther tried to attack Rhodes once more, locking in the Gojira Clutch, but the champion managed to escape and toss him out of the ring. So even though Gunther hasn’t put his final signature on the contract yet, the rivalry for WWE’s top title is officially in motion.