Gunther battles Cody Rhodes in high-stakes WWE SmackDown showdown

Gunther stepped into the ring against Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown on 17 Jul 2026 and delivered a masterclass in technical wrestling that left fans buzzing.

What happened?

Gunther and Cody Rhodes collided in the main event of WWE SmackDown on Thursday night, 17 Jul 2026, at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Rhodes came in as the Intercontinental Champion, while Gunther carried his undefeated streak into the bout. The match stretched past 20 minutes, with Gunther showcasing his signature power moves and chain wrestling before Rhodes locked in the Cross Rhodes for a near-fall. Rhodes escaped and hit a final shot, but Gunther kicked out at two and then powered out of the Pedigree. Rhodes rallied with a series of elbows and a top-rope moonsault, but Gunther reversed into a sit-out powerbomb for a near-fall. Rhodes fired back with a final Disaster Kick attempt, but Gunther countered and hit the Lariat for the pin at 24:12.

Why it matters for Gunther

This match was more than just another win for Gunther. It reinforced his status as one of WWE’s most dangerous big men and sent a message to the entire roster ahead of SummerSlam. Gunther’s ability to absorb punishment and fire back with precision counters keeps opponents guessing every time. Rhodes, despite the loss, proved he can hang with the Intercontinental Title’s top contenders. The crowd’s reaction-a mix of cheers for Rhodes and respectful applause for Gunther-showed how far both men have come since their first meeting.

What comes next?

Gunther now sets his sights on the Intercontinental Championship. Rhodes will likely regroup and defend the title against another top contender before SummerSlam, which is scheduled for 23 Aug 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Gunther’s next singles match could come as early as next Friday’s SmackDown, where he may face a fresh challenger to keep his momentum rolling. The blue brand’s booking team seems to be positioning Gunther as the must-see attraction heading into the summer pay-per-view.

Gunther remains undefeated in WWE singles competition in 2026 and has not lost a televised match since his debut loss to Ricochet in Jun 2024. His recent performances suggest he’s building toward a potential world title opportunity later this year.