The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Gunther hit another level on the May 29 episode of WWE SmackDown, and things got even more intense after the show went off the air. Just two days before their Undisputed WWE Championship match at Clash in Italy, Gunther tried to catch Rhodes by surprise after a heated confrontation, but it was the champion who got the last laugh with a Cross Rhodes.
Their final face-to-face before Clash in Italy was the last segment of Friday night’s SmackDown. Both used the segment to take some strong shots at each other.
Gunther started things off by questioning Rhodes’ journey to the top. The Ring General accused The American Nightmare of benefiting from his family name and connections. Gunther believes that Rhodes represents a fading version of the American Dream and everything he believes is wrong with modern wrestling. He said that while he earned every opportunity through hard work and sacrifice, Rhodes was one phone call away from getting everything he wanted.
Gunther even called Rhodes entitled and suggested that he cares more about attention and fan approval than the wrestling business itself.
Rhodes eventually responded and rejected those claims, calling Gunther a liar. The American Nightmare pointed out that every wrestler dreams of becoming a world champion and enjoying the spotlight that comes with it, including Gunther.
Rhodes even referenced Gunther’s early career and physical transformation.
“I’m gonna tell you something. I know that you want it. Otherwise, I’d be talking to a 330lb version of yourself in front of a couple hundred people at an indie show,” he said.
Rhodes then made a bold prediction for Clash in Italy. He said Gunther would come very close to winning the Undisputed WWE Championship, only to realize that he is “just not that good.”
Gunther didn’t appreciate being called a “liar.” As Rhodes was leaving the ring, he stopped him and reminded him of his past promises.
The Ring General brought up his victories over Goldberg, AJ Styles, and John Cena, saying that he delivered every time he promised to choke someone out. He then made the same promise to Rhodes.
Gunther vowed that on Sunday he would choke out Rhodes, and walk away with the Undisputed WWE Championship.
But the story didn’t end there.
Cody Rhodes Fights Back After Gunther’s Post-SmackDown Attack Attempt
After SmackDown went off the air, Rhodes stayed in the ring to interact with fans. That was when Gunther suddenly returned and attacked him from behind.
However, things didn’t go the way Gunther planned.
As Gunther tried to land a punch, Rhodes fought back and dropped Gunther with a Cross Rhodes. The champion stood tall, for now.
The moment gave Rhodes some revenge and valuable momentum heading into one of the biggest title defenses of his reign at Clash in Italy.
Read more: Cody Rhodes Gets Major Win Over Gunther Days Before WWE Clash in Italy
