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WWE Clash in Italy has its first match. Gunther nearly let an undisputed WWE title shot slip through his fingers by playing mind games. After scraping by Royce Keys in a No. 1 contender's match, he'll now challenge Cody Rhodes.
Paul Heyman had everything worked out for Gunther's title match. He negotiated Gunther a guaranteed title shot on the condition that he signed an exclusive SmackDown contract. However, after making vain demands for two weeks, SmackDown's general manager Nick Aldis decided that the title shot must be earned. The outcome was a title eliminator between Gunther and Keys.
Solo Sikoa and the MFTs were very involved on SmackDown. Their presence was felt through the men's world and tag title scenes.
CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
Keys pushes Gunther to the limit in a title eliminator
Rhodes wasn't pandering when he welcomed any title challenger. Gunther made his aspirations clear after attacking the undisputed champion. The only obstacle is a contract binding Gunther to SmackDown. On Friday, Rhodes tried to expedite the process by improvising an office. He grabbed a table underneath the ring and sandwiched it between two chairs from ringside. Rhodes said he's prepared everything Gunther needs, including a SmackDown contract and a match contract for Clash in Italy.
Cue Gunther. "The Ring General" chastised Rhodes for making everything about himself. He reminded Rhodes that this moment belonged to Gunther. He's the one being courted over from Raw. All he wants from Rhodes is professionalism and a "please." Rhodes obliged, politely inviting Gunther to an ass-whooping. Gunther claimed Rhodes was insincere. If Rhodes wanted a match at Clash in Italy, he'd have to say, "Please, Mr. Gunther."
Keys interrupted further negotiations. The rookie superstar offered to sign the contract if Gunther wouldn't. Rhodes offered him a pen, enticing Gunther to slide into the ring and rip the pen from Keys' hands. A shoving match broke out between the powerhouses, forcing SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis to intervene. Aldis condemned Gunther for overplaying his hand. Gunther's title shot was no longer guaranteed. He'd need to beat Keys in a No. 1 contender's match.
Backstage, Sikoa interrupted Keys' preparation for his first WWE main event. Sikoa has attempted to court Keys for weeks. He claimed Keys would have had a much easier time tonight had he accepted Sikoa's invitation. Keys said he could handle Gunther solo, but Sikoa disagreed.
Gunther def. Royce Keys via pinfall after hitting a powerbomb. Keys shone brilliantly in the biggest match of his WWE career. He went toe-to-toe with Gunther, who retired three future WWE Hall of Famers in six months. The behemoths exchanged power moves with equal success. Keys' fortitude and durability were highlighted in the closing sequence. Keys gritted through Gunther's signature sleeper hold twice. The second time, Sikoa arrived to encourage Sikoa. Keys powered out of the sleeper, knocking down Gunther and, inadvertently, the referee. Sikoa slid a chair into the ring, tempting Keys to level Gunther with it. Keys faked the chair shot before throttling the chair into Sikoa's face. The distraction gave Gunther the opening to finish Keys with a powerbomb.
Post-match, Rhodes sprang up from behind Gunther and dropped him with a Cross Rhodes to end the show.
A solid entry from the blue brand. Having Gunther go through Keys was a logical decision. Gunther was making far too many demands for someone chasing the title. Aldis has always portrayed a GM with backbone. It made sense for him to punish Gunther. More importantly, it's great to see Keys in this position. He was unusually absent after debuting at the Royal Rumble, but they've immediately given him direction and a spot in the upper midcard. Grade: B+
What else happened on WWE SmackDown?
- Trick Williams def. The Miz via pinfall after hitting a Trick Shot.
- Brie Bella & Paige def. Giulia & Kiana James via pinfall after Paige hit a capture DDT.
- Carmelo Hayes def. Ricky Saints via pinall with a rope-assisted schoolboy pin.
- Damian Priest def. Tama Tonga via pinfall with a South of Heaven chokeslam. Post-match, Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga beat down Priest. R-Truth, who was supposed to be in a tag team match, was not medically cleared to perform.
- Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair def. B-Fab & Michin via disqualification after Jade Cargill pulled Bliss off a pin attempt.
