At WWE Clash in Italy 2026, Gunther failed to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. The Ring General locked horns with Cody Rhodes in the kickoff match. Despite having huge momentum, the former Imperium Leader got pinned by the Prodigal Son.

In the post-match, the former World Heavyweight Champion was visibly frustrated as Rhodes celebrated his victory. Many fans online are unhappy with Cody retaining the gold.

Gunther has been booked as an unstoppable force in the Stamford-based promotion. He retired Goldberg, John Cena & AJ Styles and emerged as the Career Ki**er.

Additionally, the 38-year-old star has had an undefeated streak in singles matches since last year’s SummerSlam PLE. However, Cody Rhodes’ defeating him has ended this impressive streak.

This article will look at five reasons why Triple H didn’t put the Undisputed WWE title on Gunther at Clash in Italy 2026.

#5. To set the stage for a rematch

After WrestleMania 42, the Triple H creative regime is seemingly more focused on booking rematches. This is evident from Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill rematch getting booked at the recent international show.

Also, Roman vs. Jacob was a rematch at Clash in Italy. Gunther losing the match could lead to another match between them. The chances are higher, especially after the Ring General was frustrated in the post-match.

Gunther might demand a rematch from the American Nightmare or destroy him in the aftermath episode of RAW or SmackDown. So, setting the stage for a second match could be the reason why he lost at Clash in Italy.

As of now, Night of Champions 2026 is the ideal location for their potential rematch.

#4. WWE is giving Cody Rhodes another monster push

Cody Rhodes defeated John Cena to become the Undisputed Champion. Later, Drew McIntyre dethroned him and took the title, only to drop it before WrestleMania 42 to the Prodigal Son.

At WrestleMania this year, Randy Orton competed in an Undisputed title match against Cody Rhodes, but the American Nightmare retained the Championship. His victory over an unstoppable Gunther proves that WWE is giving a monster push to the former AEW star.

This could be a probable explanation why Triple H didn’t put the title on the Ring General at the international Premium Live event.

#3. The unfinished business of Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton

After the Viper lost to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, he launched a post-match assault. Following this, the Legend Ki**er went on hiatus from the company and has been notably absent.

So, it’s clear that Cody and Orton still have unfinished business to settle in the squared circle. This could be why Gunther failed to emerge as the new Champion at Clash in Italy 2026.

If Gunther had won the title from Cody, the American Nightmare feud with Orton would not have had the Championship element. Considering this, WWE decided not to crown Gunther as the new title holder at Clash in Italy.

#2. It was a botched ending

Many fans online believe that the Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther Undisputed WWE title match was ended in a botch. In the closing moment, the Ring General almost put her legs on the ropes, but in an awkward situation, the referee counted to three.

Gunther appears to be genuinely surprised by the ending of the match and kept shouting on the official ringside. There might be a chance that the Clash in Italy match ended in a botch, which contributes to the Ring General’s failure to become the Champion.

#1. WWE may want to crown Gunther as Champion in the rematch

The post-match reaction of Gunther subtly confirms that WWE is planning for a second match between the Ring General and the American Nightmare. If this rematch happens, there is a chance that the former Imperium Leader might dethrone the Prodigal Son in this rematch and emerge as the new Champion.

Crowning Gunther as the next potential Undisputed WWE Champion could be the motive for his loss at the international Premium Live event. Triple H may want the Ring General to become Champion, probably at Night of Champions 2026.

If this happens, then it will not only be a title victory for the 38-year-old star but also a revenge for the loss at the Clash in Italy Premium Live event.