Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his title against Gunther and Sami Zayn in a triple threat match at Night of Champions on June 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The decision follows a series of chaotic interferences on WWE SmackDown that escalated a disputed rematch into a high-stakes three-way championship bout. The Undisputed WWE Championship represents the pinnacle of the brand, and the upcoming event in Riyadh serves as a massive stage for the company’s global expansion efforts.
The Controversy in Italy and the Rematch Stipulation
The road to Riyadh began with a disputed finish at WWE Clash in Italy. While Cody Rhodes successfully retained the Undisputed WWE Championship, the official failed to notice Gunther’s foot was under the bottom rope during the final three-count. In professional wrestling, the "rope break" is a fundamental rule: if any part of a competitor’s body is touching the ring ropes during a pinfall attempt, the referee is required to break the count to prevent a submission or pin via leverage. Gunther’s insistence on a rematch stems from this technicality, arguing that his championship pursuit was compromised by an officiating oversight.
Following his return to SmackDown, the "Ring General" demanded a second chance. Gunther, known for his disciplined and physically dominant style, was granted a rematch and, crucially, the power to choose the match stipulation. As WWE’s match preview noted, Gunther used this leverage to select Sami Zayn as the special guest referee for the championship bout. This move shifted the contest from a purely physical struggle into a psychological battle, placing a volatile element directly in the center of the ring.
Sami Zayn’s Descent from Referee to Rival
The selection of Zayn was not an act of good faith. The Canadian has faced a string of professional setbacks, including losing the United States Title to Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42. WrestleMania is traditionally the most significant platform for establishing a wrestler’s legacy, and for Zayn, the loss at this event marked a significant shift in his career trajectory. This period of instability has seen Zayn’s relationship with Rhodes deteriorate, moving from friendship to open contempt.
Zayn’s recent behavior suggests a man struggling to reconcile his identity with his recent failures. He has frequently voiced frustration with his standing in the company, often referring to himself as
Sami Zayn, via WWE
This psychological shift was evident during the June 12 edition of SmackDown, where Zayn exchanged humiliating slaps with "QB1" during a heated verbal confrontation. Gunther reportedly viewed Zayn’s volatile emotional state as the ideal tool to undermine Rhodes, hoping that Zayn’s personal grievances would cloud his ability to officiate impartially.
Double Interference and the Triple Threat Announcement
The plan to use Zayn as a tool for Gunther backfired spectacularly during the most recent episode of SmackDown. POST Wrestling confirmed the event took place at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, where the championship tension reached a breaking point. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis attempted to maintain order, but the escalating personal animosity between the three men proved impossible to contain.
The chaos unfolded in two distinct stages. First, while officiating the match, Zayn counted a fast three-count when Rhodes had Gunther pinned. Despite protests from both competitors and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, Rhodes successfully demanded the match be restarted with a different official.
The second interference was even more decisive. Wrestling Inc. described the specific interference that occurred when Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Gunther, resulting in a disqualification. The subsequent breakdown of order led to Zayn attacking both Rhodes and Gunther, forcing the announcement of a triple threat match for the upcoming Night of Champions. In a triple threat format, the dynamic changes significantly, as the presence of three competitors often leads to rapid shifts in momentum and tactical alliances.
Viewing Options for Night of Champions
The championship showdown in Saudi Arabia is scheduled for Saturday, June 27. The distribution of Night of Champions reflects a modern era of sports media, where global audiences access premium content through a mix of traditional cable and expanding digital platforms. For viewers in the United States, the event will be available through the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan. Internationally, the match will stream on Netflix, marking a significant step in the brand’s digital accessibility.
For those following the lead-up on weekly television, Cleveland.com detailed how to watch the recent SmackDown broadcasts, which are available on the USA Network. Cord-cutters can access the programming via several streaming platforms.
| Streaming Service | Cost/Offer | Free Trial Available? |
|---|---|---|
| FuboTV | $20 off first month | Yes |
| DIRECTV | $35 off first month | Yes |
| Sling TV | $45–$60 | No |
The triple threat match presents a unique dilemma for Rhodes. He must not only contend with the physical dominance of Gunther but also the unpredictable nature of a Sami Zayn who has transitioned from a sanctioned official to an active, aggrieved competitor.
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