GUNTHER promises to choke out Cody Rhodes at Clash In Italy

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has offered GUNTHER a rematch following the controversial finish to their match at WWE Clash in Italy.

A controversial finish results in Cody Rhodes retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash In Italy.

GUNTHER has been a man who keeps his promises, having taken out legends of the industry like Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles. He told us how he would retire them, and then he went out and did just that. Now, he told us he would put Cody Rhodes to sleep and take his WWE championship. He got the chance to do just that at today’s (Sun., May 31, 2026) Clash in Italy premium live event in Turin, in the opening bout on the card front and center on ESPN. Every time he locked it on, the raucous crowd responded accordingly. Rhodes has been losing support in some corners but there were plenty of fans cheering for him to overcome, like he’s done so many times before as QB1 for WWE. They played it for all it was worth too, with teases on both sides. HOW did @CodyRhodes get to the ropes after this sleeper!! 💪 Watch the FIRST HOUR of #WWEClash in Italy RIGHT NOW on ESPN!! pic.twitter.com/yR8uRR1hZV — WWE (@WWE) May 31, 2026 Rhodes survived long enough to mount a comeback, finishing it off with a Cody Cutter and a Cross Rhodes. That was enough to get a three count. But, of course, it was controversial. That’s because GUNTHER’s foot was underneath the bottom rope when the referee began the count, and commentary was quick to explain that it shouldn’t have ever started, even if it ended with both of GUNTHER’s legs in the air. Rhodes retains the title, and the decision stands, but it’s clear they aren’t going away from this and/or simply wanted to protect GUNTHER from a clean loss. Thoughts? Get complete Clash in Italy results and coverage of every match on the card by clicking here.

Tonight’s (May 29) episode of SmackDown in Barcelona was the go home show for Sunday’s Clash In Italy PLE, where WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends the belt against GUNTHER. WWE announced that their match will kick off the event during the first hour on ESPN at 2 pm ET. The American Nightmare and The Ring General appeared in SmackDown’s main event segment for one final promo to gets fans excited for their title match. GUNTHER started off by explaining how Cody is an entitled brat who is a mark for himself. "All you are is a mark for yourself."@Gunther_AUT has A LOT to say to @CodyRhodes. 😳 pic.twitter.com/LZdyJHkBUv — WWE (@WWE) May 30, 2026 The champ responded by saying GUNTHER is a liar. He tried to hit the pure wrestler where it hurts by saying GUNTHER will find out on Sunday that he’s just not that good. "You're just not that good."@CodyRhodes just went OFF on @Gunther_AUT! 😮‍💨 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mthvaPQ5pQ — WWE (@WWE) May 30, 2026 Rhodes probably demonstrated he’s a mark for himself by reciting his corny catchphrase about being easy to find but hard to beat. He tried to leave the ring, but GUNTHER made Cody face him and listen to the harsh truth. The Ring General previously promised he would kill the careers of Goldberg, AJ Styles, and John Cena, and that’s exactly what he did. With that in mind, he now promises to choke out Cody Rhodes at Clash In Italy and take the WWE championship. "I'm promising you…I'm gonna choke you out."@Gunther_AUT gets the last word on @CodyRhodes… 😬 pic.twitter.com/T5u0b2pjjm — WWE (@WWE) May 30, 2026 Will GUNTHER deliver on his latest promise at Clash In Italy, or will he find out that he’s just not that good? Let me know which star got the better of this promo battle in the comments below, Cagesiders. Catch up on all the results from SmackDown in our live blog right here.

The Undisputed WWE Championship match pitting Cody Rhodes against GUNTHER is set to open Clash in Italy on ESPN.