Sami Zayn has addressed the controversy surrounding last week’s WWE Championship match on SmackDown, issuing a public apology after his actions as special guest referee helped spark chaos in the title picture.
The incident occurred during Cody Rhodes‘ Undisputed WWE Championship defense against Gunther on SmackDown.
What began as a high-stakes rematch quickly went off the rails, leaving both competitors frustrated and setting the stage for an even bigger showdown at Night of Champions.
Sami Zayn responds to controversial WWE Championship Match finish
Throughout the match, tensions repeatedly flared between Zayn and Gunther. The situation reached a boiling point when Zayn awarded Rhodes the victory with a fast count after kicking Gunther’s hand away from the ropes.
The controversy didn’t end there. After the bout was restarted, Zayn attacked both Gunther and Rhodes, resulting in further chaos and ultimately leading SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to book a Triple Threat Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions.
Days later, Zayn took to social media (X) to address the fallout and apologize for his conduct.
“I’d like to apologize. I did my best to fairly call the WWE Championship match between my friend, Goldenboy Cody Rhodes & Gunther,” Zayn wrote.
He continued by admitting that the finish did not reflect the standards he expected of himself.
“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.”
The apology adds another layer to an already complicated rivalry heading into Night of Champions. While Zayn’s words suggest remorse, both Rhodes and Gunther now have reasons to question his intentions after Friday night’s events.
The controversy has already reshaped the championship landscape. Instead of a one-on-one rematch, Rhodes will now defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against both Gunther and Zayn at Night of Champions, where all three competitors will have the opportunity to settle their differences inside the ring.
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