Cody Rhodes, the undisputed WWE champion, has secured a highly anticipated match for the Night of Champions. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis granted Rhodes’ request to face Gunther and Sami Zayn. This decision came as Rhodes sought to address their ongoing challenges and grievances.
On “Friday Night SmackDown,” things took an unexpected turn. Zayn, as the guest referee at Gunther’s behest, officiated the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Gunther and Rhodes. Zayn claimed impartiality, but a series of chaotic events unfolded. He intervened to break a submission hold by Gunther, leading to his own misfortune. Gunther’s powerbomb on Rhodes set the stage for a pin attempt with help from a new referee, but Zayn disapproved and stopped the count. Rhodes proceeded to pin Gunther with Zayn’s assistance.
The ensuing arguments led to further tension backstage. Gunther’s frustration with Zayn resulted in physical retaliation. Meanwhile, Rhodes initiated a successful demand for a new match. However, Zayn disrupted the event again by attacking Gunther with the title belt, resulting in a disqualification, and unintentionally hitting Rhodes too.
Aldis expressed dissatisfaction with Zayn’s decisions. In defense, Zayn reminded Aldis of his initial request for Zayn to officiate. He asserted that Rhodes should appreciate his championship retention. The series of events contributed to Rhodes demanding a triple-threat match at Night of Champions.
The episode also showcased the determination of Jey Uso and Je’Von Evans. Uso, a seasoned veteran, faced Evans, an ambitious newcomer, in the King of the Ring finals quest. Uso triumphed without assistance from The Bloodline or Solo Sikoa, setting up a stage against Oba Femi at Night of Champions.
In the Queen of the Ring semi-finals, Liv Morgan confronted Charlotte Flair. A pre-match attack on Flair by Jade Cargill and her allies, Michin and B-Fab, provided Morgan an upper hand. Morgan honed in on Flair’s injured knee, leading to a victory via half-Boston crab submission. She advanced to face Iyo Sky, edging closer to contending for the WWE Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley.
SmackDown Match Results:
- Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Gunther to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
- Gunther defeated Cody Rhodes via disqualification.
- Damian Priest and R-Truth (c) defeated Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.
- Ricky Saints defeated Carmelo Hayes to earn the No. 1 contender spot for the United States Championship.
- Jey Uso defeated Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring Tournament.
- Liv Morgan defeated Charlotte Flair in the Queen of the Ring Tournament.
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