3 Reasons why Gunther must not dethrone Cody Rhodes at WWE Clash in Italy

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However, despite Gunther’s incredible momentum, there are several creative reasons why Cody Rhodes retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship is the better long-term move for the company. That said, let’s look at them.

#3. Cody Rhodes still has unfinished business with Randy Orton

One of the biggest reasons Cody Rhodes should retain at Clash in Italy is that his rivalry with Randy Orton still feels far from over.

At WrestleMania 42, Rhodes defeated Orton in the main event of Night One to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. The match itself was dramatic and emotional. However, the real shock came afterward when The Viper brutally punt-kicked Rhodes following the loss.

That post-match assault did not feel like the ending of a rivalry. Instead, it looked like the beginning of a much darker chapter between the former allies. Hence, fans are still waiting for Cody Rhodes to fully avenge the humiliating attack when Randy Orton returns from hiatus. A rematch between the two could easily headline another major premium live event later this year.

If Gunther wins the title now, the intense rivalry between Rhodes and Orton might lose its momentum. This is because the championship gold would no longer be part of their story. Hence, WWE would shift focus away from the emotionally charged feud before even fully capitalizing on it.

#2. The teased Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship has not happened yet

Another major reason Gunther should not dethrone Cody Rhodes is that WWE has already planted the seeds for a massive showdown between Rhodes and CM Punk.

On the first RAW after WrestleMania 42, Punk opened the show to address his loss to Roman Reigns at The Showcase of the Immortals. This led to a tense face-off that immediately got fans talking. Rhodes came out to the ring, and while the confrontation did not turn physical, WWE clearly teased a future rivalry between two of the company’s biggest stars.

The segment was especially interesting because both men positioned themselves as the locker room’s top star. The two men had a deeply personal conversation about their history and the weights of their respective championships. The Second City Saint noted that he didn’t need to cry about his loss and would stay ready because an opportunity for a title shot could “fall out of the sky” anytime.

Since then, WWE has not fully revisited the angle. This suggests the company may be saving the rivalry for a bigger stage later this year. A feud between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk has enormous potential. Both stars are elite on the microphone, both have passionate fanbases, and both have compelling real-life journeys that naturally add depth to the storyline.

More importantly, the rivalry feels far bigger with Cody holding the Undisputed WWE Championship. Punk chasing Rhodes for the richest prize in the company would instantly become one of the company’s hottest programs.

If Gunther wins the title at Clash in Italy, WWE risks delaying or weakening a money feud that fans have already been anticipating since the RAW after WrestleMania 42.

#1. Gunther seemingly does not need a title to remain at the top

Unlike many other superstars, Gunther has arguably reached a rare level where he does not necessarily need championship gold to feel important.

The Austrian star already carries himself like a final boss every time he appears on television. Whether he is competing for a title or not, fans still perceive him as one of the most dangerous competitors in WWE.

That aura was evident at WrestleMania 42 when Gunther defeated Seth Rollins in what many considered one of the best matches of the entire event. Even after moving into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture, The Ring General has continued to feel like a massive attraction. Perhaps because of his presentation, credibility, and in-ring dominance.

In fact, WWE may benefit more from keeping Gunther in pursuit mode rather than immediately placing another world title on him. His chase would create suspense and unpredictability.

There is also the possibility that the global juggernaut is building toward an even larger championship moment for Gunther later in the year, potentially at SummerSlam. Giving him the title at Clash in Italy could actually rush a story that deserves a much grander payoff.

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