Sami Zayn Costs Gunther Undisputed WWE Title On 6/19 SmackDown, Attacks Him And Cody Rhodes After The Match Is Restarted

Sami Zayn costs Gunther the title match on WWE SmackDown.

The 6/19 WWE SmackDown featured an Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Gunther. This was a rematch of their Clash in Italy bout, where Gunther lost.

Sami Zayn was the special guest referee for this match, personally handpicked by The Ring General.

There were several moments in this bout when Zayn and Gunther argued with each other. At one point, Gunther found himself in the exact situation as Clash in Italy, where Rhodes went for the pinfall after a Cross Rhodes, but Gunther’s leg was under the ropes. This time, however, the pin wasn’t counted.

.@SamiZayn has been VERY involved in this match and Gunther just SQUASHED him for it! 😱 pic.twitter.com/6Lo2KEs2ac

— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2026

Zayn not counting the pin led to Rhodes arguing with him in the ring. Zayn shoved Rhodes, and Gunther put him in the sleeper hold. Rhodes got to the ropes eventually. Gunther argued with Zayn, who would later slap the former and receive a powerbomb in return.

The American Nightmare RETAINS the Undisputed WWE Championship! 🤩@CodyRhodes pic.twitter.com/uXbZvuJLHg

— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2026

Towards the end of the bout, Gunther went for the pin on Rhodes. Another referee was counting the pin, but Zayn dragged him outside the ring. Shortly after, Rhodes went for the pin, and this time, Zayn counted the pin very quickly. Rhodes was still the WWE Undisputed Champion.

Sami Zayn has LOST THE PLOT!!! 🫢 pic.twitter.com/PybURlZXXE

— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2026

Gunther, Zayn, and Rhodes argued backstage. Rhodes asked for the match to be restarted, and the fight began. But Zayn ended up interfering when he helluva kicked Gunther to the face. He would later attack the official as well as Rhodes with his own title.

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