Gunther chokes out Cody Rhodes after Sami Zayn match on WWE SmackDown

Sami Zayn vs. Cody Rhodes could be a main eventer on any major show WWE runs, but on Friday night fans in Lexington, Kentucky were treated to the match on “SmackDown.”

The booking stemmed from Zayn’s ongoing complaints about not getting enough airtime and feeling like he was pushed to the back of the queue. Zayn complained to SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, but also caught Rhodes’ attention by calling him the “American Nightmare”, the “golden boy”. Rhodes was not keen on this and the match was made.

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Rhodes entered the match with the possibility that his Italian Clash rival, Gunther, would arrive for a sneak attack at any moment. The wrestlers’ rivalry has heated up over the past few weeks since Paul Heyman returned the favor to Gunther, earning him a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Zayn wanted a fight and he had one.

At the beginning of the match, the two were exchanging blows, each trying to outdo the other. Rhodes was trying to end the match early. Cody went for the Cutter or Disaster Kick, but Zayn caught him and dropped him to the floor. From there, he attacked and removed Rhodes’ left knee.

Zayn would continue to work on the knee as the match progressed. However, Rhodes would fight through the pain and hit Cody Cutter out of nowhere. Zayn wouldn’t stay down for long. After a double count, Zayn tossed Rhodes to the apron. Rhodes stumbled and Zayn bounced off the rope and pushed Rhodes into the announce table.

Rhodes made it through all 10 and returned to the ring at nine. Zayn tried the Helluva Kick but missed. Rhodes countered with Cody Cutter and got a two count. Zayn tried the Blue Lightning Bomb but was unable to put Rhodes away.

Gunther attacked Cody Rhodes during SmackDown at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on May 22, 2026. (Cooper Neill/WWE)

As Rhodes was about to put Zayn in line for the Cross Rhodes, Gunther came out and kept him asleep, but the referee didn’t see it. As Rhodes moved out of the way, Zayn bounced off the rope and knocked Gunther to the floor. Rhodes then hits Zayn, who was distracted, with the Cross Rhodes.

Gunther returned to the ring and began the attack. Zayn entered the ring and looked at Gunther. It looked like the two were going to fight, but Gunther ignored him and strangled Rhodes.

Zayn nodded and allowed Gunther to continue his attack. Zayn turned his back on Rhodes and walked away.

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Rhea Ripley is ready for the WrestleMania rematch

WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley makes her entrance during SmackDown at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. on May 22, 2026. (Cooper Neill/WWE)

Jade Cargill vowed to reclaim the WWE Women’s Championship after losing to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42. The constant attacks seemed to force Ripley’s hand.

He started Friday by addressing Cargill, Michin and B-Fab.

“Jade and her team decided to send a message. But all they could do was push me away. Now that I’m back, I’m itching for a fight,” Ripley said. “Well Jade, if you want your rematch then I will gladly beat you again.

“It’s you versus me at Clash in Italy for the WWE Women’s Championship.”

Cargill appears to have agreed to attack Ripley and Charlotte Flair, along with Michin and B-Fab, following their tag team match against Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid later in the night. The trio took care of Ripley, Flair and Alexa Bliss and sent another message before their six-man tag team match on Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Flair and Bliss showed up during Ripley’s promo and reminded her of the match and that they all needed to focus.

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SmackDown match results:

• Talla Tonga def. Shinsuke Nakamura.
• Tiffany Stratton defender. Lash Legend to retain the United States Women’s Championship.
• Trick Williams Def. Carmelo Hayes.
• Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley defend. Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid.
• Solo Sikoa def. Damian Priest.
• Cody Rhodes defense. Sami Zayn.