WWE SmackDown Results: Gunther Names Guest Referee for Title Match Against Cody Rhodes

Gunther has officially named Sami Zayn as the special guest referee for his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes, scheduled for next week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. The announcement, confirmed by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation between the reigning champion and the challenger.

Who will officiate the Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther title match?

According to official WWE programming, Gunther exercised his prerogative to select the official for his championship bout, ultimately choosing Sami Zayn. This decision follows weeks of mounting tension involving Rhodes, Zayn, and Gunther. While Cody Rhodes expressed initial skepticism regarding the choice during a backstage segment with Nick Aldis, the stipulation remains firm. The involvement of Zayn, who has been embroiled in a complex dynamic with the champion, adds a layer of uncertainty to the upcoming title defense.

How did the Bloodline developments unfold?

The internal conflict within the Bloodline continued to escalate, with Jacob Fatu delivering a message to Solo Sikoa on behalf of Roman Reigns. Fatu, who has aligned himself with the group, stated that it is time for Sikoa to return to the fold. Sikoa, however, rejected the demand, asserting his independence and stating that once his current business is settled, he intends to confront both Fatu and Reigns. This power struggle remains a central narrative thread on SmackDown, as the group faces a fractured leadership dynamic.

What were the results of the King of the Ring qualifying matches?

In a high-intensity four-way match, Jey Uso secured a victory over LA Knight, Finn Bálor, and Royce Keys to advance in the King of the Ring tournament. The match concluded after a chaotic sequence that saw the competitors clash through the announcers’ table. Jey Uso utilized his signature Superfly Splash to pin LA Knight for the win. Elsewhere in the women’s division, Charlotte Flair defeated Sol Ruca, Lyra Valkyria, and Jade Cargill in a qualifying match for the Queen of the Ring tournament, earning the win via the Figure Eight submission on Valkyria.

Summary of SmackDown Results

• Queen of the Ring Qualifier: Charlotte Flair defeated Sol Ruca, Lyra Valkyria, and Jade Cargill.
• Women’s Tag Team Championship: Paige and Brie Bella successfully defended their titles against Fatal Influence.
• AAA Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix retained his title in a match against Axiom.
• Tag Team Match: Michin and B-Fab defeated Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton.
• King of the Ring Qualifier: Jey Uso defeated LA Knight, Finn Bálor, and Royce Keys.

Key Takeaways

• Championship Stakes: Sami Zayn will serve as the guest referee for the Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther title match next week.
• Tournament Progress: Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair have advanced to the next rounds of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, respectively.
• Faction Tensions: Solo Sikoa has formally challenged the influence of Roman Reigns, signaling a shift in the Bloodline’s hierarchy.