WWE Clash in Italy 2026: Match Order: What Match Will Open and Main Event?

WWE Clash in Italy Match Order Predictions

1. Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther — Undisputed WWE Championship

This match has already been confirmed as the opening bout.

By placing the match first, WWE has the opportunity to showcase its biggest babyface to a larger audience on ESPN, along with a challenger many fans will recognize from John Cena's retirement match. The final face-to-face between Rhodes and Gunther on SmackDown was arguably the strongest segment of their rivalry, crystallizing what this match is ultimately about: two competitors driven by a desire to stand atop WWE as Undisputed Champion.

With an energized international crowd and two of the company's best in-ring performers, this has all the ingredients of a show-stealer. While a Gunther victory would create a major surprise, I'm sticking with the champion.

Prediction: Cody Rhodes retains

2. Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill — WWE Women's Championship

WWE has also announced that Ripley and Cargill will compete during the ESPN portion of the broadcast.

The WrestleMania 42 rematch features two of the company's biggest stars and continues one of WWE's most prominent women's rivalries. With Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, B-Fab, and Michin all tied to the story in recent weeks, there is plenty of potential for outside involvement. Flair, in particular, remains a wild card, and a heel turn would not be out of the question if WWE chooses to take the feud in a new direction.

Prediction: Rhea Ripley retains

3. Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi

WWE's Premium Live Events on ESPN have begun to follow a familiar formula: use the linear ESPN simulcast to drive viewers toward an ESPN Unlimited subscription. If that's the strategy, there is not a bigger attraction to advertise than Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi.

This has all the makings of a spectacle match, and with the bout being promoted as Lesnar vs. Femi II, it feels unlikely that WWE intends for this rivalry to end in Italy.

Prediction: Brock Lesnar wins

4. Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca — Women's Intercontinental Championship

This will likely serve as the breather between Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi and the Tribal Combat main event. Even so, the Italy crowd should give both competitors a strong reaction.

Lynch has used her reigns as Women's Intercontinental Champion to elevate emerging talent. While Ruca carries momentum from her breakout run in NXT, a longer chase could benefit her more than winning in Italy.

Prediction: Becky Lynch retains

5. Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu — Tribal Combat for the World Heavyweight Championship

Everything points to Tribal Combat closing the show.

As of this writing, Jacob Fatu is still advertised for the match despite reports that he suffered an injury at a WWE live event in Liverpool on Thursday. Unless WWE announces otherwise, there is little reason to believe the match is in jeopardy.

Tribal Combat is essentially a street fight, which opens the door for outside involvement. The Usos feel like a safe bet to appear, and WWE could even use the match to introduce a new member of the Bloodline, such as Zilla Fatu, the son of the late Umaga. Regardless of what chaos unfolds, the most likely outcome is Roman Reigns leaving Turin with both the World Heavyweight Championship and his status as Tribal Chief intact.

Prediction: Roman Reigns retains

What Time Does Clash in Italy Start?

WWE Clash in Italy begins at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 31. The Countdown Show starts at 12:00 p.m. ET, with a post-show scheduled immediately following the event.

How to Watch Clash in Italy

In the United States, Clash in Italy streams live on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited subscription. Internationally, the event streams live on Netflix in most markets.