Highlights from WWE’s Latest SmackDown: Rhodes, Zayn, and Championship Matches
Listen to the latest updates in the WWE universe, where Cody Rhodes, the undisputed WWE champion, set the stage for an upcoming triple-threat match at Night of Champions. SmackDown’s general manager, Nick Aldis, agreed to Rhodes’ request for a match against challengers Gunther and Sami Zayn. This came after a chaotic start on ‘Friday Night SmackDown.’
During a recent episode, Zayn was the guest referee for Gunther’s Undisputed WWE Championship match against Rhodes. Zayn insisted on neutrality, breaking a submission by pulling Gunther off Rhodes. This move backfired when Gunther retaliated against Zayn.
Gunther’s battle plan involved a powerbomb on Rhodes, attempting a pin. With a new referee in play, Zayn intervened, denying Gunther’s victory by pulling the referee from the ring. Rhodes attempted to turn the tables with a sunset flip on Gunther, but Zayn’s assistance helped secure the pin for Rhodes, who retained his championship.
Zayn and Aldis engaged in a heated discussion backstage, with Gunther calling for a rematch. Zayn’s actions, including hitting Gunther with the title belt, led to a disqualification. This unexpected turn saw Zayn accidentally hit Rhodes as well.
Zayn defended his actions, claiming fairness. He argued that Rhodes should be thankful for maintaining his championship status. This entire sequence led to Rhodes requesting the triple-threat match for Night of Champions.
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Elsewhere in WWE, the King and Queen of the Ring finals were determined with Jey Uso and Je’Von Evans competing on ‘SmackDown.’ As a seasoned former world heavyweight champion, Uso emerged victorious against the ambitious newcomer Evans. Uso secured his place in the King of the Ring finals and a chance to face Oba Femi at Night of Champions, with hopes of gaining a championship opportunity.
In the Queen of the Ring semifinals, Liv Morgan faced Charlotte Flair. Jade Cargill and her team targeted Flair’s injured knee before their match, tipping the scales in Morgan’s favor. Morgan’s focused strategy on Flair’s knee, combined with a half-Boston crab, resulted in a victory.
Morgan, already the women’s world champion, advanced to face Iyo Sky in the Queen of the Ring final. A win could lead her to challenge Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship.
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SmackDown match results:
- Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Gunther, retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship.
- Gunther defeated Cody Rhodes via disqualification.
- Damian Priest and R-Truth (c) defeated Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga, retaining the WWE Tag Team Championship.
- Ricky Saints defeated Carmelo Hayes to earn the No. 1 contender spot for the United States Championship.
- Jey Uso defeated Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring Tournament.
- Liv Morgan defeated Charlotte Flair in the Queen of the Ring Tournament.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.