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However, on the go-home episode of RAW before Clash in Italy, WWE announced that Cody Rhodes vs Gunther will take place in the first hour of the show for the Undisputed title. In addition, Rhea Ripley vs Jade Cargill for the Women’s Championship will also take place during this duration.
In this article, we will discuss four reasons why Rhodes isn’t headlining the forthcoming PLE.
#4. Set to retain his Undisputed WWE Title
One of the key reasons Cody Rhodes isn’t main-eventing the Clash in Italy show is because chances are he is about to retain his Undisputed title. For those unaware, Gunther currently has an undefeated streak in singles matches.
The last time he suffered a loss in a singles bout was last year’s SummerSlam PLE, when he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk. Since then, he has become unbeatable and has retired John Cena and AJ Styles.
Despite this undefeated streak, it appears that WWE is not planning for a title change at the upcoming Premium Live event. With no big surprise in store, the company preferred to put Cody in the first hour of the show rather than main-eventing.
#3. Roman Reigns is a much bigger star and has a better storyline than him
After turning into the Tribal Chief gimmick, Roman Reigns has emerged as one of the biggest needle movers in WWE. The Original Tribal Chief carried the company on his back and proved why he is the megastar.
The Head of the Table dethroned the Second City Saint at WrestleMania this year to become the Champion. At Backlash 2026, the OG Bloodline leader defeated Jacob Fatu and retained the gold.
However, his feud with the Samoan Werewolf remains unfinished after Jacob attacked him post-match at Backlash. Now, Roman will be part of Clash in Italy 2026, where he will lock horns with Fatu in a rematch.
The feud of Roman and Jacob isn’t merely about the World Heavyweight Championship; now it’s a family civil war. On the other side, the Cody Rhodes vs Gunther feud is limited only to the Undisputed WWE title and has no personal element.
Considering all these elements, the TKO-led promotion might opt not to book the American Nightmare in the main event of Clash in Italy. The Roman vs Jacob match will likely close the show.
#2. WWE is planning to crown Jacob Fatu the Next Tribal Chief
Roman Reigns is frustrated about the fact that he defeated Jacob Fatu at Backlash this year. Despite the victory, the Samoan Werewolf attacked him and refused to acknowledge him.
This time, the Original Tribal Chief has affirmed that if Jacob loses in their rematch, he will be forced to join the OG Bloodline and should acknowledge the Head of the Table.
With Cody Rhodes not headlining the Premium Live event, there is a chance WWE might have planned a big surprise in the Roman vs Jacob bout, and it could be a potential title change.
If the Samoan Werewolf dethroned the OG Bloodline leader, he would not only become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion but also solidify himself as the next Tribal Chief.
So, crowning the former United States Champion as the next Tribal Chief could be another probable reason why Rhodes is not main-eventing the international PLE. Rest, it will be interesting to see what happens on May 31, 2026, when Roman puts his World title against his real-life family member.
#1. Zilla Fatu’s debut is about to happen?
Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu rematch could witness a major debut if Zilla Fatu arrives in WWE at Clash in Italy 2026. For a long time, Zilla’s debut in the Stamford-based promotion has been speculated by fans.
With Roman vs Fatu likely to headline the show, there is a big chance that Zilla Fatu might make his debut after much anticipation. So, a potential debut of the real-life Bloodline member could be another explanation for Cody Rhodes not headlining the PLE.
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