Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, is facing significant challenges as he prepares for his title defense against Gunther at the upcoming Clash in Italy 2026, scheduled for May 31 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy. One of the most pressing concerns is the imminent return of Randy Orton, who has a longstanding feud with Rhodes. Reports indicate that Orton is set to appear on the May 29 episode of SmackDown, potentially setting up a non-title rivalry that could lead to Rhodes losing his championship.

Additionally, Gunther's impressive undefeated streak, which includes victories over notable wrestlers like Goldberg and John Cena, positions him as a formidable challenger. WWE seems to be capitalizing on Gunther's momentum, further suggesting that Rhodes may drop the title at Clash in Italy. Furthermore, the likelihood of a match between Rhodes and Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel 2026 appears slim, as WWE may want to preserve that encounter for a future event. Gunther's recent transition to the SmackDown brand only strengthens the narrative that he is being groomed for a championship run, making Rhodes' title defense even more precarious.