Austrian Star Drops BRUTAL Truth About American Champion’s Ego

Liberty Check

• WWE’s international superstar calls out American champion’s self-centered behavior in explosive confrontation
• Undisputed champion accused of making everything about himself instead of respecting protocol
• Austrian wrestler delivers harsh reality check about American pride and entitlement

Gunther had two critical decisions to make on Friday Night SmackDown — and neither would come without controversy.

After refusing to sign a contract with SmackDown, the Austrian powerhouse got what he wanted through Paul Heyman. Heyman secured Gunther a championship match at Clash in Italy for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship.

Heyman put the responsibility on Rhodes — the face of the blue brand — to finalize Gunther’s signing. Rhodes arrived in the ring and set up the contract signing himself, awaiting Gunther’s arrival.

What happened next exposed the tension between old-world discipline and American showmanship.

Gunther was furious that Rhodes allegedly interfered with his “strategic planning” for joining SmackDown. He accused Rhodes of making the entire arrival about himself instead of respecting the process.

“Just like a typical American. I shouldn’t be surprised. I see it on your neck every week,” the 6-foot-4 Austrian said of Rhodes’ neck tattoo.

“When the attention is not on you, you cry, you complain and you find a way to make it all about yourself. But not like me. This is my deal. This is my title match. This will be my title. So, golden boy, all I want you to do is be professional, address me nicely and don’t forget to say please. It’s very simple.”

Rhodes reminded Gunther that he “got the drop” on him and manipulated Heyman into doing him a favor.

“Yes, I’m the one with the U.S. flag on the side of my neck, sure, but you’re the one who’s making it weird,” Rhodes responded.

“So, here’s the thing, I’m going to make it simple. This is the contract right here. It’s in this ring. That’s where you need to be and you need to sign it. You want me to say please? Sure, please come to this ring, sign this contract so that you’re guaranteed to get your a– kicked at Clash in Italy.”

The segment took an unexpected turn when Royce Keys interrupted. He told Gunther that if the Austrian wouldn’t sign the contract, he would.

Keys marched to the ring and was about to sign before Gunther snatched the pen away.

SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis declared that Gunther had “over played” his hand and was no longer guaranteed a championship shot. Aldis made a match between Gunther and Keys for later in the night to determine who would face Rhodes.

Keys entered the match with Solo Sikoa attempting to recruit him into an alliance with Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. With Sikoa potentially in his head and later positioned outside the ring, Keys saw an opportunity to leap to the top of the championship ladder.

Gunther unleashed everything he had on Keys, but couldn’t keep the massive competitor down. Keys demonstrated exactly why he’s considered a rising force in WWE.

However, Keys couldn’t secure a pin on the Austrian either.

When the referee went down, Sikoa slid a chair into the ring and tried to convince Keys to use it. Keys threw it back at Sikoa — a decision that would cost him.

The distraction gave Gunther the opening he needed. The referee recovered, Gunther delivered a devastating powerbomb, and pinned Keys for the victory.

Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as the “Career Killer” celebrated his win — proving that the American champion wasn’t about to let the verbal assault go unanswered.

Carmelo Hayes, Ricky Saints Showcase Future of SmackDown

Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints both represent the next generation of SmackDown talent. Both competitors were in action Friday night as they positioned themselves as contenders for the United States Championship.

Hayes, a former U.S. champion, made his first ring appearance since April 3 when he lost his rematch against Sami Zayn. Hayes showed no ring rust as he dominated Saints early.

But Saints, the crafty former NXT and North American champion, found his rhythm and slowed the match down. He controlled the pace with dropkicks, suplexes, and precision strikes designed to wear down Hayes.

Hayes avoided a superplex attempt and turned the tables with a devastating frog splash. He only secured a two count.

Both men were visibly exhausted as they fought for the win. Saints delivered a high-angled driver but again only got a two count.

Saints was surviving everything Hayes threw at him. After Saints kicked out of the First 48, he hit a Revolution DDT, but again managed only a two count.

Saints attempted to cheat his way to victory, but referee Charles Robinson caught him and stopped the count.

As Saints argued with Robinson, Hayes rolled him up and used the ropes for leverage to secure the pin. Robinson didn’t see the illegal move and Hayes got the win — a controversial finish that left questions about how far competitors will go to advance.

SmackDown Match Results

Trick Williams def. The Miz

Paige and Brie Bella def. Giulia and Kiana James

Carmelo Hayes def. Ricky Saints

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss def. Michin and B-Fab via DQ

Gunther def. Royce Keys

Americans deserve better.