Gunther rejects contract, then defeats Royce Keys on SmackDown

Gunther declined to sign a contract for a title match against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy during the May 15 edition of Friday Night SmackDown. Rhodes set up the ring table and chairs before Gunther arrived and accused Rhodes of turning the contract signing into a personal spotlight. The Austrian wrestler told Rhodes to act professionally and address him with respect before agreeing to the match.

Royce Keys interrupted the segment and offered to sign the contract in Gunther's place. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis then scheduled a match between Gunther and Keys for later in the night, removing the guaranteed title opportunity.

Keys competed with Solo Sikoa at ringside attempting to influence his decision. Gunther won the contest after a referee distraction allowed him to deliver a powerbomb for the pinfall. Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind immediately after the match as Gunther celebrated.

Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints earlier in the show after using the ropes for leverage on a roll-up pin. Hayes had returned to the ring for the first time since losing a United States Championship rematch on April 3.