Add as a preferred source on Google Gunther is officially part of the Friday Night SmackDown roster. WWE confirmed the move after the Austrian star defeated Royce Keys in the main event of the May 15 show in Columbia, South Carolina.
The move is directly tied to Clash In Italy, where “The Ring General” will face Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The situation almost went in a different direction. On last Friday’s show, Gunther refused to sign the contract under Rhodes’ terms, opening the door for Royce Keys to try to take his spot. Nick Aldis then turned the impasse into a No. 1 Contender’s Match, with the winner earning the title shot.
GUNTHER has now officially been moved to the SmackDown roster after his win against Royce Keys to become #1 contender for Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash In Italy pic.twitter.com/BkiZFQFD49
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) May 18, 2026
During the match, Solo Sikoa tried to interfere and even handed Keys a steel chair. The Andre the Giant Battle Royal winner refused the help, however, and threw the chair at Solo, creating the opening GUunther needed to win and officially secure his place at the event in Italy.
After the match, Rhodes came out and dropped Gunther with a Cross Rhodes, closing SmackDown with a direct message to his new challenger.
Gunther attacked Rhodes on the May 1 episode, kicking off the path that has now put him back in the mix for a WWE world title.