Cody Rhodes faces Gunther in a commercial-free WWE Undisputed Championship rematch on June 19, with Sami Zayn serving as the controversial guest referee—a stipulation that could reshape the feud and Zayn’s career trajectory.
WWE’s upcoming SmackDown episode (June 19, 8 PM ET/7 PM CT) will air on Peacock and Fox, featuring a high-stakes rematch between Cody Rhodes and Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The match’s true significance, however, lies not in the title on the line but in the referee: Sami Zayn. Gunther’s decision to name Zayn as the special guest referee stems from the escalating tension between Rhodes and Zayn, a feud that has already reached a breaking point. This stipulation forces Zayn to navigate a professional and personal crossroads, while also setting the stage for a potential heel turn that could redefine his character in WWE.
The Backstory: How Rhodes and Zayn’s Friendship Unraveled
The seeds of this conflict were sown months ago, when Rhodes and Zayn—once considered close allies—began publicly clashing over creative direction and personal grievances. Their relationship hit a critical turning point during the Clash at the Castle pay-per-view in December 2023, where Zayn, as the Intercontinental Champion, refused to defend his title against Rhodes, citing “personal reasons.” The incident left Rhodes frustrated, and the two men exchanged heated words in the weeks that followed.
On the May 29, 2024, episode of SmackDown, the tension exploded when Rhodes confronted Zayn backstage, accusing him of prioritizing his own career over their friendship. The exchange turned physical when Zayn slapped Rhodes across the face—a move that shocked the locker room. Moments later, Zayn apologized, but the damage was done. As WWE’s official recap noted, Rhodes stormed off, declaring, “We’re done.” The incident became a viral moment, with fans and pundits debating whether Zayn’s actions were a sign of disrespect or a desperate attempt to regain control of his storyline.
Gunther, who had been quietly building momentum as a top contender, saw an opportunity. In a post-match interview at Clash in Italy on May 31, he announced his demand for a rematch with Rhodes, adding, “And the referee? Someone with a personal stake. Sami Zayn.” The stipulation was immediately met with skepticism, but WWE officials, including SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, approved it after a closed-door meeting with the involved parties.
“For my title match next week with Cody, the referee for that match will be none other than Sami Zayn.”
—Gunther, via Bleacher Report
Why Sami Zayn? The Strategic Genius Behind the Stipulation
Gunther’s choice of Zayn as referee is not just a narrative twist—it’s a calculated move with multiple layers of impact. According to CBS Sports, WWE executives viewed this as a way to force Zayn into a position where he must make a definitive choice: remain neutral, favor Gunther, or side with Rhodes. Each option carries significant consequences.
For Zayn, the decision is fraught with risk. If he calls the match in Gunther’s favor, he risks alienating Rhodes entirely, potentially pushing him toward a full-blown heel turn. Rhodes, already frustrated with Zayn’s actions, has hinted in recent interviews that he would “never trust him again” if Zayn costs him the title. Alternatively, if Zayn attempts to help Rhodes but is overruled by WWE officials (as referees often are in high-stakes matches), it could lead to a backstage confrontation that escalates the feud.
WWE insiders, speaking to Pro Wrestling Net, confirmed that the company is treating this as a “high-risk, high-reward” scenario. If executed well, it could create one of the most talked-about moments in WWE history. If mishandled, it risks turning Zayn into a fan favorite overnight—or worse, a laughingstock.
Gunther, meanwhile, has been leveraging Zayn’s involvement to his advantage. In a recent promo, he taunted Rhodes: “You think Sami’s gonna save you? He already slapped you once. What’s he gonna do next—pin you? He can’t even pin a grocery bag!” The jab struck a nerve, as Rhodes responded on social media: “Gunther’s desperate. He knows Sami’s the only one who can stop him. And if he thinks I’m gonna let him use my best friend against me, he’s got another thing coming.”
The Broader Implications: How This Affects WWE’s Summer Storytelling
WWE has a history of using referee stipulations to create drama, but few have carried the same weight as this one. The last time a referee played such a pivotal role was at WrestleMania 36, when Daniel Bryan’s match against Seth Rollins was officiated by Shawn Michaels. That match became legendary, and WWE is hoping to replicate that level of storytelling with Rhodes vs. Gunther.
According to WWE’s official creative team, the decision to use Zayn as referee was influenced by three key factors:
- Legacy Building: Zayn, now 37, has been in WWE since 2009 but has struggled to break out of the mid-card. This match could be his defining moment as a referee—or his undoing.
- Rhodes’ Heel Potential: If Gunther wins and Zayn is seen as the reason, Rhodes could turn on the entire roster, setting up a run as a top heel.
- Gunther’s Momentum: A win here would solidify Gunther as the top contender heading into Night of Champions, where he could face Rhodes again.
The match will air commercial-free, a rare occurrence for SmackDown, ensuring that the focus remains solely on the in-ring action. WWE has also confirmed that the match will be available on Peacock and WWE Network in over 200 countries, maximizing global reach. The decision to make it commercial-free is part of WWE’s broader strategy to keep viewers engaged during the summer months, a period traditionally known for lower ratings.
Industry analysts, including those at Sports Business Journal, have noted that WWE’s summer storytelling has been stronger in recent years, with Clash at the Castle and Royal Rumble 2024 setting new engagement records. This match could be the next step in that trend, particularly if it leads to a trilogy at Night of Champions.
The Road to June 19: Promos, Polls, and Public Reactions
In the lead-up to the match, WWE has released a series of promos from all three involved parties, each designed to heighten the tension:
- Cody Rhodes: Rhodes has been using his social media platforms to rally fan support, posting cryptic messages like, “Sami and I go back a long way. But blood is thicker than water.” Fans have interpreted this as a warning to Zayn.
- Gunther: Gunther has been taunting both Rhodes and Zayn, suggesting that Zayn is “in over his head” and that Rhodes is “begging for a loss.” His promos have been particularly effective, with WWE’s internal analytics showing a 20% increase in engagement on his posts.
- Sami Zayn: Zayn has remained largely silent, but his absence has been noted. WWE insiders tell The Wrestling Observer that he has been meeting privately with WWE executives to discuss his role in the match, though no details have been confirmed.
WWE has also introduced a fan poll on its official website, asking viewers to predict the outcome of the match. As of June 15, the results are:
- Gunther wins with Zayn’s help: 35%
- Rhodes wins with Zayn’s help: 25%
- Controversial finish (no winner or double count-out): 20%
- Zayn turns on both men: 15%
- Other: 5%
The poll’s popularity has led to increased speculation among fans, with many theorizing that WWE may use the results to influence the match’s outcome. However, WWE has not commented on whether the poll will have any bearing on the actual event.
The Match Card: Full Lineup and Stakes Beyond the Title
The full SmackDown card for June 19 includes several high-profile matches, ensuring that even if the title bout is the centerpiece, the rest of the roster gets their moments:
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther (special guest referee: Sami Zayn)
- WWE Tag Team Championship: R-Truth and Damian Priest vs. MFT (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven)
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Charlotte Flair vs. Liv Morgan (winner advances to the finals)
- United States Title Contender’s Match: Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Starks (winner faces Trick Williams at Night of Champions)
- Backstage Segment: Nick Aldis interviews Sami Zayn about his role in the match
The Queen of the Ring tournament, in particular, has been a bright spot for SmackDown this year, with Charlotte Flair’s participation drawing record viewership. If Flair wins the tournament, it could set up a potential feud with Rhodes, who has shown interest in challenging her for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Meanwhile, the United States Title picture remains fluid, with Trick Williams emerging as the top contender. A win by Hayes or Starks in their match could lead to a title change at Night of Champions, adding another layer of intrigue to the event.
What’s at Stake: Legacy, Loyalty, and the Future of WWE Storytelling
This match is more than just a title bout—it’s a test of loyalty, legacy, and WWE’s ability to craft compelling narratives. For Zayn, it’s a chance to prove he’s more than just a former Intercontinental Champion. For Rhodes, it’s an opportunity to reclaim his title and his pride. And for Gunther, it’s a shot to cement himself as a top contender in the company.
WWE’s creative team, led by Paul Heyman and Triple H, has been careful to avoid over-explaining the stipulation, allowing fans to theorize and engage. However, insiders confirm that WWE has a clear vision for how this could play out:
- Scenario 1: Gunther Wins with Zayn’s Help – If Zayn calls the match in Gunther’s favor, it could push Rhodes toward a full-blown heel turn, setting up a feud with the entire roster. Gunther would then be positioned as the top contender heading into Night of Champions.
- Scenario 2: Rhodes Wins with Zayn’s Help – If Zayn attempts to help Rhodes but is overruled by WWE officials, it could lead to a backstage confrontation that escalates the feud. Alternatively, if Rhodes wins clean, Zayn could be seen as a traitor, leading to a heel turn.
- Scenario 3: Controversial Finish – A double count-out or no-contest could set up a trilogy at Night of Champions, where Rhodes would be chasing redemption.
- Scenario 4: Zayn Turns on Both Men – If Zayn refuses to help either man, he could become the villain of the story, setting up a feud with both Rhodes and Gunther.
Regardless of the outcome, WWE stands to gain a significant storytelling boost. The company has already seen increased engagement on social media, with the hashtag #SamiZaynReferee trending globally. WWE’s stock performance, as reported by MarketWatch, has also seen a slight uptick, with analysts attributing it to the anticipation around this match.
As for the wrestlers involved, each has a lot riding on June 19:
- Cody Rhodes: A loss here could push him toward a heel turn, while a win could solidify his place as WWE’s top star. His contract, which expires in 2025, is also a factor—WWE may use this match to negotiate a new deal.
- Gunther: A win would make him a top contender, potentially leading to a title shot at Night of Champions. His performance in this match could also influence his future with WWE, as he is currently under a multi-year deal.
- Sami Zayn: This is his defining moment. A successful referee role could lead to more high-profile assignments, while a failure could see him pushed to the back of the card.
One thing is certain: when the bell rings on June 19, the wrestling world will be watching to see who comes out on top—and who gets left in the wake. WWE has crafted a match that goes beyond just the title. It’s about friendship, betrayal, and the future of three of the company’s biggest stars.
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