Solo Sikoa Furious: “He’ll Pay for That Slap…” as Gunther’s Costly Blunder Leaves Wrestler Humiliated in Epic Clash with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes at WWE Nottingham.

The WWE live event in Nottingham, England, on March 23, 2025, delivered a night of high-octane drama that left fans buzzing and tensions boiling over in the ring. What was meant to be a thrilling tag team showdown featuring World Heavyweight Champion Gunther and Solo Sikoa against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and CM Punk turned into a chaotic spectacle of missteps, betrayal, and raw emotion. The fallout from this match has set the wrestling world abuzz, with Solo Sikoa’s fiery post-match outburst stealing the spotlight and hinting at a brewing feud that could shake the foundations of WWE.

The match itself was a dream encounter for fans, pitting two of WWE’s biggest babyfaces, Rhodes and Punk, against the hard-hitting duo of Gunther and Sikoa. From the opening bell, the energy in the Motorpoint Arena was electric. Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, showcased his resilience and technical prowess, while Punk, ever the crowd favorite, brought his signature intensity and charisma. On the opposing side, Gunther’s reputation as “The Ring General” preceded him, his devastating chops and commanding presence making him a formidable foe. Solo Sikoa, the self-proclaimed “New Tribal Chief” of The Bloodline, complemented Gunther with his brute strength and unrelenting aggression. 

For much of the match, the teams traded momentum in a back-and-forth battle that had the Nottingham crowd on its feet. Rhodes and Punk worked seamlessly together, their chemistry a testament to their years of experience and mutual respect. A particularly memorable moment came when Punk rallied the audience, climbing the ropes alongside Rhodes for a synchronized pose that sent cheers echoing through the arena. However, the tide turned in the closing moments due to a catastrophic error that would ultimately unravel the heels’ strategy.

As the match reached its climax, Sikoa held Punk in position, setting up Gunther to deliver one of his infamous chops—a move that had gone viral the previous night in Belfast when Punk took the full brunt of it. This time, Punk ducked at the last second, and Gunther’s chop landed squarely on Sikoa’s chest. The impact was thunderous, dropping Sikoa to one knee as the crowd gasped in shock. Gunther, visibly rattled, immediately began apologizing to his partner, but the damage was done. Sikoa, dazed and furious, struggled to regain his composure as Punk capitalized on the chaos, delivering a Go to Sleep that sent Sikoa stumbling into Rhodes’ waiting arms. Rhodes sealed the victory with a Cross Rhodes, pinning Sikoa as the arena erupted in celebration.

What happened next, however, overshadowed the match’s conclusion. As Rhodes and Punk celebrated with the fans—Rhodes even hoisting Punk onto his shoulders in a heartwarming display of camaraderie—Sikoa’s frustration boiled over. Rising to his feet, he glared at Gunther, who was still reeling from the botched maneuver. Without warning, Sikoa unleashed a vicious Samoan Spike, dropping “The Ring General” to the mat in a heap. The crowd roared as Sikoa stood over his fallen partner, his face a mask of rage. Moments later, he grabbed a microphone and, in a voice dripping with venom, declared, “He’ll pay for that slap… Gunther’s gonna regret crossing me.”

The incident has sparked intense speculation about the future of Sikoa and Gunther’s partnership—and whether it could lead to a blockbuster singles match down the line. For Sikoa, the humiliation of being struck by his own teammate in front of thousands was a blow to his pride, especially as he continues to assert his dominance within The Bloodline faction. His words suggest that he views Gunther’s mistake not as an accident, but as a personal affront that demands retribution. Meanwhile, Gunther, known for his stoic demeanor and meticulous in-ring approach, was left embarrassed, his aura of invincibility shaken by the misfire and Sikoa’s retaliatory strike.

This explosive moment comes at a pivotal time for both wrestlers. Gunther is preparing to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41, while Sikoa remains a key figure in The Bloodline’s ongoing saga. Fans and analysts alike are already imagining the possibilities: a hard-hitting clash between Gunther’s technical mastery and Sikoa’s raw power could steal the show at a future event. For now, though, the Nottingham incident has added a new layer of intrigue to WWE’s Road to WrestleMania.

As Cody Rhodes and CM Punk move toward their own marquee matches at WrestleMania—Rhodes against a heel-turned John Cena and Punk in a triple threat with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins—the fallout between Sikoa and Gunther threatens to overshadow even those high-profile showdowns. Solo Sikoa’s promise of vengeance has lit a fuse, and when it detonates, the WWE Universe will be watching. One thing is certain: Gunther’s costly blunder has made him a marked man, and Sikoa is ready to collect the debt.