WWE reveals Clash in Italy opening match
The Undisputed WWE Championship will be on the line to kick off Clash in Italy.
During Friday’s episode of SmackDown, WWE announced that Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for the Undisputed WWE title will be the opening match of Sunday’s broadcast. The first hour of the PLE is being simulcast on ESPN, with the entire show airing on the ESPN app in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
Another big title match will be going on second with Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship also scheduled for the ESPN simulcast portion of the PLE.
Clash in Italy is Rhodes’ first televised defense of the Undisputed WWE Championship since retaining against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42. In the aftermath of WrestleMania, Gunther moved over to the SmackDown roster to begin this title feud with Rhodes.
Inalpi Arena in Turin is hosting Sunday’s PLE and the following day’s episode of Raw. Here is the updated PLE lineup:
WWE Clash in Italy (Sunday, May 31) —
- Tribal Combat: World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
- Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Sol Ruca
- Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
- WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Jade Cargill
- Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against Gunther
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.