A heated exchange leads to an unexpected one-on-one match in Albany
Summary
– Cody Rhodes confronted Gunther and challenged him to an immediate match on SmackDown
– Gunther learned he could enter the SummerSlam WWE Championship match with a victory Saturday
– Adam Pearce approved the match between Rhodes and Gunther later that night
Gunther opened WWE SmackDown by blaming Nick Aldis for the problems surrounding his career and championship pursuit.
The Ring General claimed he had been mistreated since joining the brand and accused Aldis of preventing him from becoming WWE Champion.
Gunther also criticized the decision to pair him with Sami Zayn against Cody Rhodes and CM Punk at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Adam Pearce interrupted and reminded Gunther that his recent actions could have cost him his WWE career.
Pearce pointed to Gunther attacking Rhodes, interfering in a championship match, and choking Aldis during their confrontation.
He revealed that higher-ranking officials had considered serious punishment, but Aldis petitioned to keep Gunther’s scheduled tag team match intact.
Pearce then explained the important stipulation attached to the Madison Square Garden contest.
A victory for Gunther and Zayn would add both men to the WWE Championship match at SummerSlam, turning it into a Fatal 4-Way Match.
Cody Rhodes entered shortly after the announcement and immediately attacked Gunther.
Rhodes said Gunther could not expect to injure him and avoid retaliation when they crossed paths again.
The former champion also warned Gunther that he would not survive Saturday Night’s Main Event against Rhodes and CM Punk.
Rhodes then challenged Gunther to face him one-on-one before the night ended.
Pearce approved the match and made the SmackDown confrontation official.
