Gunther stunned the Chicago crowd on 8 July 2026 when he powerbombed Cody Rhodes through the announce table, effectively removing Rhodes from his scheduled Undisputed WWE Championship match.
What happened?
The opening segment of Monday Night Raw saw the Austrian Ring General stride to the ring, eyes fixed on Cody Rhodes. Without warning, Gunther lifted Rhodes and delivered a thunderous powerbomb that sent the American Nightmare crashing through the announce table. The impact left Rhodes motionless on the floor, and the broadcast cut to a replay as officials checked on him. The assault forced WWE officials to cancel Rhodes' title bout against Sami Zayn, leaving the championship scene in disarray.
Why it matters for Gunther
Gunther’s attack was more than a surprise; it reinforced his reputation as a dominant force capable of altering main‑event plans with a single move. By taking out a top‑tier talent like Rhodes, he positioned himself as a looming threat to anyone holding or chasing the Undisputed WWE Championship. The move also gave him fresh heat heading into SummerSlam, where he could be woven into a new feud or even a title opportunity.
How the rest of the show unfolded
With Rhodes sidelined, CM Punk stepped into the vacant spot and captured the Undisputed WWE Championship later that night, ending Sami Zayn’s brief reign. The night also crowned new World Tag Team Champions as Bron Breakker and Austin Theory defeated the previous holders in a chaotic bout. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins opened the show to hype his upcoming SummerSlam clash with Roman Reigns, only to be upstaged by a flamboyant promo from LA Knight and a surprise appearance by Jimmy Uso.
What’s next for Raw?
The fallout from Gunther’s assault sets up several narrative threads. WWE will need to address Rhodes’ recovery and whether he receives a rematch or a new challenger. Gunther’s actions suggest a possible challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship, especially now that CM Punk holds the belt. Fans can expect a heated confrontation in the weeks leading to SummerSlam, where Gunther may finally get his shot at the top prize.
Impact on the championship picture
By eliminating Rhodes, Gunther forced WWE to reshuffle the title picture on short notice. CM Punk’s victory adds a fresh champion to the mix, while Sami Zayn’s loss removes a potential rival for Gunther. The power dynamics on Raw have shifted dramatically, and the next few episodes will likely focus on who steps up to fill the void left by Rhodes and how Gunther capitalizes on his newfound momentum.