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Gunther had to make two decisions on “Friday Night SmackDown.”
After he failed 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’ WWE Undisputed Championship.
Heyman assigned the responsibility to Rhodes, the face of the blue brand, for Gunther to sign the contracts. Rhodes came to the ring and set up the tables and chairs himself while waiting for Gunther to come to the ring.
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Wrestler Gunther makes his entrance during SmackDown at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina on May 15, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE)
Gunther was upset that Rhodes allegedly impeded Gunther’s “strategic planning” that went into signing with SmackDown. He said that Rhodes made his arrival to SmackDown all about himself.
“As a typical 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 it all about yourself. 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, address me nicely and don’t forget to say please. It’s very simple.”
Rhodes recalled that Gunther “got it” 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 making it weird,” Rhodes responded. “So here’s the thing, I’m going to keep it simple. This is the contract right here. It’s in this ring. That’s where you need to be and you need to sign it. Do you want me to tell you please? Sure, please come to this ring, sign this contract so you’re guaranteed to get a kicking at Clash in Italy.”
Royce Keys interrupted the segment and told Gunther that if he didn’t sign the contract, he would. Keys marched to the ring and was about to sign the contract when Gunther took the pen from him.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis said Gunther “overstepped” and was no longer guaranteed an opportunity. Aldis made a match between Gunther and Keys for later that night.
Keys entered the match still with Solo Sikoa in his ear trying to get him to join forces with him, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. With Sikoa possibly in his head and then out of the ring in his corner, he came into the main event of SmackDown looking to jump to the top of the championship standings.
Gunther gave it all Keys could handle, but he couldn’t hold off the big guy. Keys showed why she was a force to be reckoned with. However, Keys simply couldn’t locate him.
When the referee went down, Sikoa slid a chair and tried to goad Keys into using it. Keys gave it back to Sikoa. It was the distraction Gunther needed. The referee got up, Gunther powerbombed Keys and pinned him for the win.
Cody Rhodes stands next to Gunther during SmackDown at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina on May 15, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE)
Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as the “Career Killer” celebrated the victory.
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Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints show the future of SmackDown
Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints represent the future of SmackDown and the two were in action throughout the night as they looked to emerge as contenders for the United States Championship.
Hayes, a former US champion, was making his first in-ring appearance since April 3 when he lost his title rematch against Sami Zayn. Hayes didn’t appear to show any ring rust as he attacked the Saints early.
But Saints, the smart former North American and NXT Champion, had his chance to slow the match down and take it to Hayes. He worked his way through the match while landing dropkicks, suplexes, chops and more to wear down Hayes.
Ricky Saints makes his entrance during SmackDown at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina on May 15, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE)
Hayes avoided a superplex attempt and turned the tables on the Saints, hitting a frog splash. He only got a count of two. The two men were amazed and stunned as they awaited victory. The Saints even hit a high-angle driver, but only got a two count.
Saints was surviving everything Hayes was giving him. After Saints were kicked out of the First 48, he hit a Revolution DDT on Hayes, but again, only got a two count. The Saints tried to cheat their way to the win, but referee Charles Robinson caught him and stopped his count.
As Saints argued with Robinson, Hayes rolled Saints up and used the ropes as leverage to get the pin. Robinson didn’t see the move and Hayes got the win.
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SmackDown match results
Trick Williams defeats. the lady
Paige and Brie Bella defeat. Giulia and Kiana James.
Carmelo Hayes defeated. ricky santos
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeat. Michin and B-Fab via DQ.
Gunther defeated. Royce keys.
