Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship on June 19, 2026 [1], after special guest referee Sami Zayn interfered in the match [1].
The result deepens the existing tension between Rhodes and Zayn, shifting the focus from the championship title to a personal rivalry. This interference ensures that Gunther remains without the title despite his performance in the ring.
The event took place in Kansas City, Missouri [1]. The match featured Gunther challenging Rhodes for the championship with Zayn serving as the official referee. According to reports, the bout ended in chaos after Zayn's actions cost Gunther the victory [1].
Rhodes addressed the incident following the match. He said Zayn's behavior during the event was "petty" [3]. The disruption was noted as part of an ongoing storyline rivalry between the two competitors [1], [3].
Commentators for the event said that the match ended in chaos after the interference cost Gunther the title [1]. The victory allows Rhodes to continue his reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion, while Gunther's pursuit of the title remains unresolved due to the outside influence of the referee.
Zayn's role as a special guest referee was intended to provide neutrality, but his actions instead created a volatile environment. This outcome leaves both Gunther and Rhodes in a complicated position regarding their future matchups, as the legitimacy of the win has been questioned by the nature of the interference [1].
“Sami Zayn was "petty" – that's the word I would use to describe his actions on SmackDown.”
This match signifies a pivot in the narrative, moving the Undisputed WWE Championship feud into a three-way psychological conflict. By using a special guest referee to trigger the finish, WWE has established Sami Zayn as a primary antagonist for both the champion and the challenger, likely setting the stage for a multi-person match or a grudge match between Rhodes and Zayn.
