The WWE attempted to build some suspense and intrigue to this match, but it’s up to the fans to speak on whether or not they feel it happened. Gunther has been the champion of Raw for three months. Cody has been in control of SmackDown since Wrestlemania, over 200 days.
Oh look, an actual wrestling match broke out. Old school tactics to begin the main event. When the action finally (sort of) heats up, Rhodes escapes a sleeper hold, but Gunther catches a diving Rhodes and slams him into the ring apron.
The action goes back and forth between the two technicians and the action is so scintilating the crowd has time to do the wave. In 2024. Rhodes lands a Cody Cutter but Gunther kicks out after a two count.
Rhodes goes for a Disaster Kick but Gunther caught him and broke out a new (for him) submission hold, the Bostom Crab. Gunther locks in the sleeper but Rhodes gets to the ropes. A German Suplex allows a middle-of-the-ring sleeper.
The official raises Rhodes’ arm to see if he’s asleep, but the arm stays up. Rhodes rises to his feet and breaks free, but Gunther locks in again. Rhodes breaks free again and then turns the next attempt into a CrossRhodes to get a break.
Gunther lands a drop kick to Rhodes’ midsection and then lands a PowerBomb and then a pin attempt, but Rhodes kicks out.
Gnther turns another sleeper attempt into a belly-to-back suplex, but a clothesline attempt leads to another CrossRhodes, but Gunther kicks out of the pin.
Rhodes tries to land a Super Cody Cutter from the top rope, but Gunther caught him mid-air and tried to land the 1,372 sleeper of the match, but Rhodes flipped over and trapped Gunther for the pin and the win.
Matchup Grade: 85
It just… wasn’t very exciting until the last 7 minutes or so.
What’s Next?
The two champions shook hands center ring after it was over, and they’ll go their respective ways back to their brands to defend their championships. Rhodes will likely get back in the mix with Orton and Owens and Gunther is likely going to be the target of Bron Breakker and Drew McIntyre.
