Add as a preferred source on Google Sami Zayn tried to downplay the massive controversy caused by his performance on the latest WWE SmackDown, where he served as the special guest referee for Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Rhodes won the match, but Zayn ended up at the center of attention because of how he officiated the bout.
The key moment, and the one that set off the chaos, came when Gunther hit Zayn with a Powerbomb. As the match was about to be decided, Zayn returned, ejected the replacement referee, and, when Rhodes made the cover, delivered a very fast three-count.
On his official X account, Zayn wrote the following:
“I’d like to apologize. I did my best to fairly call the WWE Championship match between my friend, Goldenboy Cody Rhodes & Gunther. What transpired in the end was not reflective of who I am. I know my Ride or Die fans will have my back regardless, but I promise to do better.”
Despite the initial controversy, Rhodes refused to win that way and asked Nick Aldis to restart the match. Zayn then appeared again and attacked both Cody and Gunther, ending any chance of the match having a clean conclusion.
Due to all the confusion, WWE made a Triple Threat Match official for Night of Champions. Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther and Sami Zayn next Saturday, June 27.