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What Makes Gunther So Dangerous on SmackDown

It happened fast. Cody Rhodes had just beaten newcomer Ricky Saints in Tulsa. Gunther slipped in from behind, locked on his sleeper hold, and knocked Cody out cold. He stood over him with the WWE title raised high. No warning. No mercy.

That was May 1, 2026. Since then, SmackDown has changed. Gunther joined the blue brand. Paul Heyman secured him a title shot at Clash in Italy. Cody Rhodes has beaten Roman Reigns twice, retired AJ Styles, and headlined two WrestleManias.

Yet this might be his toughest challenge since winning the title in March. Gunther is clearly a threat. So why does he stand out as the most dangerous man on Friday nights right now?

Key Takeaways

Gunther joined SmackDown on May 8, 2026, after Paul Heyman called in a favory. Earlier that week, he surprised Cody Rhodes with the Gojira Clutch, leaving the champion unconscious.

The two will now clash for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash in Italy on May 31 in Turin. Over the past year, Gunther has ended the runs of John Cena, Goldberg, and AJ Styles, earning the “Career Killer” name. 

His victory over Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42 made him the first to beat a WrestleMania opponent and jump straight into the world title scene. Cody previously pinned Gunther at Crown Jewel 2024 to win the first Men’s Crown Jewel Championship. This is Gunther’s first solo shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Gunther’s SmackDown Move Was Planned

March 30, 2026 on Raw. Seth Rollins swung a chair at Paul Heyman. Gunther stopped him cold and locked in a hold. He saved Heyman, but not for free.

Heyman said thanks the next week. Gunther made it clear: he wanted more. May 1 in Tulsa. Heyman talked with SmackDown boss Nick Aldis while cameras rolled. Fans noticed. It was not just chatter.

Soon after, Gunther blindsided Cody Rhodes. On May 8, the payoff arrived. Heyman used his influence to land Gunther a title shot against Rhodes at Clash in Italy on May 31 in Turin.

Gunther did not win his spot in a tournament or battle royal. He got there through a quiet deal with WWE’s most connected manager. That alone shows the threat he carries.

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Why Gunther Stands Alone in 2026

Recent months changed fan expectations on SmackDown. Winning matches matters less. He targets career endings. AJ Styles retired following their Royal Rumble clash. Goldberg met that identical result. John Cena dropped his farewell bout. Seth Rollins also lost at WrestleMania 42.

This pattern matches a strict blueprint. Bookers designed him to remove veteran stars. He now pursues the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cody Rhodes controls that title and guides modern programming. Rhodes offers the ideal obstacle. One more icon waits for defeat.

Gunther’s Gojira Clutch – A New Way to Win

Fans know his hard strikes and heavy slams, but this rear choke changes the dynamic. It blocks circulation to the head. Rivals lose energy quickly while he stays steady and refuses to loosen his grip.

He proved its danger following his match with Ricky Saints. He suddenly locked the reigning champion, applied pressure, and left him unconscious before taking the belt. Cody Rhodes had zero warning, which was the exact plan. The tactic shows lengthy battles are pointless.

A single quick motion from behind finishes the job. Rhodes handles tough opponents easily, yet this approach breaks the routine. A sleeping competitor simply cannot respond.

Rhodes and Gunther Settle a Personal Score

This feud started long before May 1. The pair initially crossed paths at Crown Jewel in 2024. Cody claimed victory that evening, though only for a secondary belt. The Austrian star finally earns a legitimate opportunity for the top prize.

Past results clearly haunt the challenger. He refuses to accept a permanent losing streak against his rival. Each previous failure only fuelled his drive. Switching brands extends beyond chasing hardware. He demands personal payback.

The champion faces similar scrutiny. He highlighted how Lesnar quit, Reigns ignored him, and Punk walked away. Heyman quickly flipped the script. The veteran argued the titleholder simply ran out of worthy opponents.

That reply cut deep. Rhodes conquered every available name on his current lineup. Now he confronts a lethal newcomer arranged by a seasoned manager who understands precisely how to strike at a competitor’s vulnerabilities.

Gunther Is the Biggest Threat on SmackDown Right Now

SmackDown has plenty of dangerous names. Roman Reigns still looms large. Jacob Fatu has been unstoppable in the Bloodline saga. But Gunther stands apart.

It comes down to focus. Reigns is tangled in Bloodline politics. His attention is split. Fatu is fierce, but his path still follows that story. Neither has the Undisputed WWE Championship as their only target.

Gunther does. The company moved him into the title picture on purpose. He has one goal: the belt and whoever holds it. That clear aim, plus a year of shutting down opponents, makes him different.

Calm, precise, and backed by Paul Heyman, Gunther is not just another challenger. He is the real threat.

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What Clash in Italy Means for Both Men

Clash in Italy is WWE’s first major event in the country and the newest addition to the Clash series. The setting works in Gunther’s favour. The Austrian wrestler built his career across Europe’s independent circuit, so stepping into a ring in front of a local crowd gives him a natural boost. 

For Rhodes, the outcome is simple. Lose the belt here, and his time as champion ends because of a sharp, focused challenger. Win, and he adds another tough opponent to his record, making his title run even more notable.

Their match on May 31 will set the tone for both men’s year. At this moment, Gunther has the edge with momentum, motivation, and Paul Heyman in his corner.

Final Thoughts

Gunther stands as the most threatening competitor on SmackDown today. That reputation comes from twelve months of focused dominance. He forced veterans to retire, defeated a top tier WrestleMania opponent on the biggest stage, and joined the blue brand through a private deal with a notorious manager. 

Cody Rhodes thrives under pressure, yet he has never met a rival like this. The Austrian star already won their first encounter, holds a personal grudge, and will gladly end a career to reach his goals. Their bout in Turin on May 31 will settle the debate. 

Until that night, he remains far more than a simple contender. Title holders know that when he builds this kind of momentum, their reign is already in serious trouble.

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