Add as a preferred source on Google Cody Rhodes will have to defend his title in a match with plenty of room for major twists. The champion will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther next Friday, with Sami Zayn serving as the special guest referee.
The stipulation was revealed by Gunther on this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown, which was held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.
The match will follow up on what happened at Clash in Italy. Rhodes defeated Gunther and retained the title, but the Austrian’s foot was under the rope during the count, leading to protests after the match ended.
Zayn’s selection, however, is not random. In recent weeks, he has become involved in the rivalry between Rhodes and Gunther, even walking out on Cody while he was being attacked by the Austrian.
On this Friday’s SmackDown, the tension escalated even further. Rhodes and Zayn argued in the ring and exchanged slaps, confirming that things between them are far from normal.
Now the question is whether Sami Zayn can call the match fairly, or if his presence will prove decisive in a possible title change on next week’s SmackDown.