NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Gunther had two decisions to make on “Friday Night SmackDown.”
After he failed to sign a contract with SmackDown, the favor he wanted from Paul Heyman appeared to be coming true. Heyman got Gunther a match at Clash of Italy for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship.
Heyman instructed Rhodes – the face of the blue brand – to get Gunther to sign the contracts. Rhodes went to the ring and set up tables and chairs himself while he waited for Gunther to come to the ring.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Wrestler Gunther makes his SmackDown debut at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC on May 15, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE)
Gunther was upset that Rhodes allegedly hindered Gunther’s “strategic planning” going into signing with SmackDown. He said that Rhodes arrived on SmackDown about himself.
“Just like 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 isn’t 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 fight. 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 into” 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 making it weird,” Rhodes replied. “So here’s the thing, I’m going to 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 thank you? Sure, please come to this ring, sign this contract so you’re guaranteed to get your a– kicked at the Clash in Italy.”
Royce Keys interrupted the segment and told Gunther that if he didn’t want to sign the contract, he would. Keys marched to the ring and was about to sign the contract before Gunther took the pen away.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis said Gunther “overplayed” his hand and was no longer guaranteed a shot. Aldis set up a match between Gunther and Keys for later in the night.
Keys still entered the match with Solo Sikoa in his ear, trying to get him to team up with him, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. With Sikoa possibly in his head and later on the outside of the ring in his corner, he entered the SmackDown main event looking to jump to the top of the championship ladder.
Gunther gave all Keys could handle, but couldn’t hold the big man down. Keys showed why he was a force to be reckoned with. Keys just couldn’t get a pin on him though.
As the ref went down, Sikoa slid in a chair and tried to get Keys to use it. Keys threw it back at Sikoa. It was the distraction Gunther needed. The referee got back up, Gunther powerbombed Keys and pinned him for the win.
Cody Rhodes faces 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 “Career Killer” celebrated the victory.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Carmelo Hayes, Ricky Saints showcase SmackDown’s future
Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints represent the future of SmackDown and the two were in action throughout the night as they both looked to emerge as contenders for the United States Championship.
Hayes, a former United States Champion himself, was making his first in-ring appearance since April 3 when he lost his title rematch to Sami Zayn. Hayes didn’t seem to show any ring rust as he took the offense to the Saints early.
But Saints, the savvy former NXT and North American Champion, got his opportunity to slow the match down and take it to Hayes. He worked his way through the match hitting dropkicks, suplexes, chops and more to wear Hayes down.
Ricky Saints makes his SmackDown debut at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC 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 two count. The two men were staggered and stunned as they hoped for victory. The Saints even broke out of a high-angle driver, but only got a two count.
The Saints survived everything Hayes threw at him. After Saints was kicked out of the First 48, he hit a Revolution DDT on Hayes, but again only got two. The Saints tried to cheat to get the win, but umpire Charles Robinson caught him and stopped his count.
As the Saints argued with Robinson, Hayes rolled up the Saints and used the ropes to get the pin. Robinson didn’t see the move and Hayes won.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
SmackDown match results
Trick Williams def. Miz
Paige and Brie Bella def. Giulia and Kiana James.
Carmelo Hayes def. Ricky Saints
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss def. Michin and B-Fab via DQ.
Gunther def. Royce Keys.
