WWE Clash in Italy took place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. The night was a massive one for fans in Italy, and the Undisputed World Title match brought a hard-hitting encounter.
Cody Rhodes is a fighting champion, and his latest challenger came out of nowhere. That being said, it also made perfect sense. So, fans were ready to see The American defend the Undisputed World Title against GUNTHER.
The road to Cody Rhodes vs. GUNTHER at Clash in Italy started back on the March 30 episode of RAW when GUNTHER saved Paul Heyman from an attack by Seth Rollins. After that went down, GUNTHER reminded Heyman backstage that he now owed him a favor. Things escalated on the May 1 episode of SmackDown when The Ring General attacked Cody Rhodes after a match and posed with the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The next few weeks turned into a fight over contracts, title shots, and brand moves. Paul Heyman eventually revealed that the favor he owed GUNTHER was a title match against Rhodes at Clash in Italy. Cody tried to get GUNTHER to officially sign the contract, but GUNTHER kept stalling until Nick Aldis booked him against Royce Keys with the title shot on the line. GUNTHER won the match and locked in the championship match against Rhodes for Clash in Italy.
Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER kicked off Clash in Italy. Fans were pumped for this massive event, and they nearly blew the roof off the building for the entrances. This match also had a big fight feel thanks to Alicia Taylor’s ring introductions.
This match saw GUNTHER take control as Cody Rhodes sold for a bit. At one point, GUNTHER tried to close things out with a powerbomb, but Rhodes kicked out. Then Rhodes rallied on GUNTHER, nailing him with a Crossroads for another near fall.
After that, GUNTHER locked on a sleeper and kept Cody Rhodes down. This was a dangerous position for Cody Rhodes to find himself in. Cody fought to get free, but soon he was grasping for air until he got a foot on the ropes.
Cody was able to come back after that to hit a Cody Cutter and a variety of other moves capped off with a Crossroads for the win. This was a huge defense for The American Nightmare in Italy. However, GUNTHER protested the pinfall, as he said his foot was under the bottom rope, which it clearly was.
What’s your take on how WWE booked GUNTHER and Cody Rhodes’ match? Do you think that the company dropped the ball with this one? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
