Sami Zayn turns his back on Cody Rhodes during Gunther's post-match attack

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

The booking stemmed from Zayn’s continued complaints about not getting enough airtime and feeling like he’s been pushed to the back of the line. Zayn complained to SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, but also caught the attention of Rhodes when he called the "American Nightmare," "golden boy." Rhodes didn’t take too kindly to that and the match was made.

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Sami Zayn makes his entrance during SmackDown at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on May 22, 2026. (Michael Marques/WWE)

Rhodes entered the match with the prospect of Gunther – his Clash in Italy challenger – coming down for a sneak attack at any time. The wrestlers’ rivalry heated up over the last few weeks since Paul Heyman fulfilled his favor for Gunther – getting him a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Zayn wanted a fight – and a fight he got.

The two traded blows in the beginning of the match with each of them trying to get one over on the other. Rhodes was trying to end the match early. He went to the rope for either a Cody Cutter or a Disaster Kick, but Zayn caught him and knocked him down to the floor. He went on the attack from there, taking out Rhodes’ left knee.

Zayn would continue to work on the knee as the match wore on. But Rhodes would fight through the pain and hit a Cody Cutter seemingly out of nowhere. Zayn wouldn’t stay down for long. After a two count,