The landscape of the Undisputed WWE Championship picture has shifted as Gunther has officially named Sami Zayn as the special guest referee for his upcoming rematch against Cody Rhodes. The high-stakes encounter is set to take place on next week’s episode of SmackDown.
This development follows a controversial finish at WWE Clash In Italy, where Rhodes successfully retained his title against Gunther. During that match, Gunther had his foot under the bottom rope during the pinfall, leading to significant frustration for the challenger. After Gunther demanded a rematch, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis granted him the authority to choose the stipulation for the follow-up bout.
Tensions Rise on SmackDown
The path to this decision was paved with friction. During the most recent episode of SmackDown, Zayn called Rhodes to the ring for a face-to-face confrontation. The exchange turned heated when Rhodes questioned Zayn’s potential as a champion, resulting in a physical altercation where both men slapped one another. Shortly after this segment, Gunther approached Aldis backstage to confirm his choice of Zayn as the official for the rematch.
What This Means for the Title Picture
The inclusion of Zayn as the special referee adds a layer of unpredictability to the championship match. Given the recent history between the three performers, fans are speculating whether Zayn will remain impartial or if his recent conflict with Rhodes will influence the outcome. With the championship on the line, the presence of a guest official often serves as a catalyst for interference or unexpected twists, potentially protecting the momentum of both competitors as the road to future premium live events continues.
Source: WrestleTalk
