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Gunther had two decisions to make on “Friday Night SmackDown.”
After failing to sign a contract with SmackDown, the favor he wanted from Paul Heyman seemed to come true. Heyman got Gunther a match at Clash in Italy for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship.
Heyman put the onus on Rhodes – the face of the blue brand – to get Gunther to sign contracts. Rhodes came to the ring and set up the tables and chairs himself as he waited for Gunther to come to the ring.
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Wrestler Gunther enters during SmackDown at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC, on May 15, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE)
Gunther is upset that Rhodes is said to have blocked Gunther’s “planning of strategies” to sign with SmackDown. He said Rhodes made his arrival on SmackDown all about himself.
“As an average American. I shouldn’t be surprised. I see it on your neck every week,” the 6-foot-4 Austrian said of Rhodes’ neck tattoo. “When the attention is not on you, you cry, you complain and you find a way to make everything about you. But not like me. This is my deal. This is my title match. This will be my title. So, golden boy, all I want you to do is be professional, speak well for me and don’t forget to ask me. It’s very simple.”
Rhodes reminded that Gunther “got the drop” on him and that he got Heyman to do him a favor.
“Yeah, I’m the one with the American flag on the side of my neck, sure, but you’re the one who makes it weird,” Rhodes replied. “Here’s the thing, I’ll make it simple. This is the contract right here. It’s in this ring. This is where you need to be and you need to sign it. You want me to say please? Sure, please come to this ring, sign this contract to make sure you get your a– kick in the Clash in Italy.”
Royce Keys interrupted the segment and told Gunther that if he didn’t sign the contract, he would. Keys walked to the ring and was about to sign the contract before Gunther took the pen.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis said Gunther “overplayed” his hand and was no longer guaranteed a shot. Aldis made a match between Gunther and Keys later in the night.
Keys went to the game while Solo Sikoa was trying to get him to meet him, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. With Sikoa possibly in his head and later outside the ring in his corner, he came to the main event of SmackDown looking to jump to the top of the championship.
Gunther gave Keys all he could handle, but he couldn’t hold the big man down. Keys showed why he is a force to be reckoned with. However, Keys just couldn’t find him.
When the referee came down, Sikoa slipped on the chair and tried to push Keys to use it. They threw the keys to Sikowa. It was the distraction Gunther needed. The ref got back to his feet, Gunther powerbombed Keys and pinned him for the win.
Cody Rhodes stands over Gunther during SmackDown at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC, on May 15, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE)
Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as the “job killer” celebrated the victory.
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Carmelo Hayes, Ricky Saints show the future of SmackDown
Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints represent the future of SmackDown and both were working the night as both looked set to emerge as contenders for the United States Championship.
Hayes, also a former American champion, was making his first appearance in the ring since April 3 when he lost a title rematch against Sami Zayn. Hayes didn’t seem to show any kind of ring rust as he took the Saints offense early.
But Saints, a former NXT and North American champion, got his chance to slow the match down and take it to Hayes. He showed his style in the match as he hit dropkicks, suplexes, chops and more to wear down Hayes.
Ricky Saints enters during SmackDown at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC, on May 15, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE)
Hayes avoided a big attempt and turned the tables on the Saints, hitting a frog splash. He only picked up twice. The two men were staggering and stunned as they hoped to win. The Saints even blasted a high-angle driver, but he only got the second count.
Saints survived everything Hayes gave him. After the Saints rolled out the First 48, he hit a Revolution DDT on Hayes, but again, he only got a second count. The Saints tried to cheat to get the win, but referee Charles Robinson caught him and stopped his count.
As the Saints countered Robinson, Hayes rolled up the Saints and used the ropes to power up for the pin. Robinson didn’t see the move and Hayes got the win.
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SmackDown match results
Trick Williams explains. Miz
Paige and Brie Bella explain. Giulia and Kiana James.
Carmelo Hayes explains. Ricky Saints
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss explain. Michin and B-Fab by DQ.
Gunther explains. Royce Keys.
