Sami Zayn Added to WWE Championship Match at Night of Champions

Sami Zayn has officially entered the Undisputed WWE Championship picture after a chaotic night on SmackDown led to a major change for Night of Champions. What began as Cody Rhodes defending his title against Gunther quickly spiraled into controversy, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Riyadh. The situation unfolded on the June 19 edition of SmackDown in Kansas City, where lingering issues from WWE Clash in Italy continued to cast a shadow over the championship scene. By the end of the night, all three men found themselves tied together in a title match that few could have predicted at the start of the broadcast. Cody Rhodes, Gunther and Sami Zayn set for WWE title triple threat match The drama started when Gunther received his rematch against Rhodes following the controversial finish at Clash in Italy, where his foot was under the bottom rope during the deciding pinfall. Gunther selected Sami Zayn as the special guest referee for the rematch. However, the decision backfired. During the bout, Gunther powerbombed Zayn after the two did not come to terms, temporarily taking the official out of action. A replacement referee entered the match, but Zayn later returned and pulled the new official out of the ring. Moments later, Rhodes scored a pinfall, and Zayn delivered a rapid three-count that left Gunther furious. The Ring General wasn't the only one unhappy — Rhodes made it clear he wanted a fair victory rather than one surrounded by controversy. After the match was restarted, matters went from bad to worse. Zayn attacked Gunther, causing a disqualification before also laying out Rhodes with the WWE Championship. Backstage, tensions boiled over as all three men argued with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. Rhodes later demanded a definitive solution and asked Aldis to make a Triple Threat Match for Night of Champions. Aldis agreed, making it official. On June 27 in Riyadh, Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against both Gunther and Zayn. With grudges, controversy, and championship gold all on the line, the title picture has become anything but black and white.