Cody Rhodes books himself triple-threat title match for Night of Champions after frustrating 'SmackDown'

WWE NXT champion Tony D'Angelo talks about his upcoming title defense at Great American Bash with Fox News Digital.

Ask and you shall receive, Cody Rhodes.

The undisputed WWE champion demanded that SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis put him in a match at Night of Champions against Gunther and Sami Zayn in hopes of dispatching each challenger and nixing their complaints altogether.

The match was set, and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns in his side since before Clash in Italy. But all that occurred after the absurdity to start "Friday Night SmackDown."

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Cody Rhodes enters the ring at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., June 19, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE)

Zayn was the guest referee, at Gunther’s behest, for Gunther’s Undisputed WWE Championship match against Rhodes. Zayn, according to him, was calling the match right down the middle. He pulled Gunther off Rhodes to break up a submission hold and got crushed for it.

Gunther powerbombed Rhodes and stacked him up on the pin attempt. After a new referee came down to help with the match, he was the one counting the pin. But Zayn pulled him out of the ring. Gunther was irate. Rhodes tried to sunset flip Gunther from the apron but couldn’t pull him down. Zayn kicked Gunther’s hands off the rope, allowing Rhodes to pin him. Zayn counted quickly and helped Rhodes retain the title.

Zayn and Aldis argued into Gorilla Position. Gunther wanted a new match and took out Zayn. Rhodes, in the ring, demanded a new match. They each got one. However, Zayn wouldn’t let it happen. Zayn hit Gunther with the title belt and forced a disqualification. Zayn, then, maybe, accidentally took out