Paul Heyman Reveals Favor He Did For GUNTHER During 5/8 WWE SmackDown

The May 8 episode of WWE SmackDown went down at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The show carried on a few key stories, including Paul Heyman’s interesting situation with GUNTHER.

During a backstage segment on SmackDown this week, Nick Aldis almost had GUNTHER signed to SmackDown as a Superstar on the blue brand’s roster. Then Cody Rhodes came out to the ring, and GUNTHER was upset about that and turned down the offer.

Cody Rhodes came out to ask Jacksonville what they wanted to talk about. He called out GUNTHER, and then Paul Heyman came out with a contract for Backlash.

Cody asked Paul if he’s GUNTHER’s advocate, and he denied it. He said that GUNTHER was simply owed a favor. Fans chanted for Cody, before Paul Heyman revealed that their title match would be at Clash in Italy, and fans chanted “USA.”

Paul Heyman told Cody Rhodes that he needs to get GUNTHER’s signature on the contract. Then he left before GUNTHER jumped in the ring to attack Cody. GUNTHER latched on a sleeper, but Cody was able to get out of it. Then they booked an Undisputed World Title match for Clash in Italy.

WWE Clash in Italy is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. Only time will tell how everything pans out, but it seems that WWE is already building the event.

What’s your take on Cody Rhodes’ current situation with GUNTHER? Do you believe that this will be the end of his title run so fast? Let us know what you think in the comments section!