Sami Zayn may have lost the main event on WWE SmackDown, but the bigger story unfolded after the bell when he made a decision that left the WWE Universe giving a collective thumbs down.
The May 22 episode from Lexington featured a tense showdown between Cody Rhodes and Zayn following weeks of growing frustration from the former Intercontinental Champion. While the match delivered plenty of near-falls and heavy strikes, the final moments turned into pure chaos once Gunther inserted himself into the action.
The bout started respectfully with multiple handshakes, although things quickly became less “Ucey” and far more personal.
Rhodes appeared to mock Zayn with another handshake after an early gourdbuster, and the challenger answered back with stiff chops and aggressive offense targeting Cody’s injured leg.
Gunther leaves Cody Rhodes unconscious as Sami Zayn walks away
Late in the match, Zayn nearly put Rhodes away with a Blue Thunder Driver and a Figure Four Leglock before the Undisputed WWE Champion rallied back. Just as Rhodes built momentum with a Beautiful Disaster kick, Gunther stormed in from behind and locked in the Gojira Clutch.
Zayn attempted to intervene, but Rhodes sidestepped him, causing Gunther to crash into the corner. Seconds later, Rhodes capitalized with Cross Rhodes to steal the win.
After the match, however, the “Ring General” decided business wasn’t finished. Gunther launched another assault, powerbombing Rhodes before applying the Gojira Clutch again. This time, Zayn entered the ring, stared directly at Gunther — and backed away.
The camera lingered on Zayn standing halfway up the ramp while Cody lay unconscious in the ring and Gunther raised the championship high above his head.
With Clash in Italy approaching, Gunther sent a loud message to Rhodes — while Zayn’s actions may have revealed even more.
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