Cody Rhodes Addresses Gunther and Sami Zayn Before 3-Way Title Match

Q: Can Sami Zayn's quest for redemption ultimately dethrone champion Cody Rhodes in the chaotic triple threat match?

Probably not. Sami Zayn’s redemption story is one of the most compelling elements heading into Night of Champions, but the available evidence points more toward a dramatic near-miss than a title change. Zayn has clear narrative momentum. His interference in Cody Rhodes’ match with Gunther, his public framing of this bout as a chance at redemption, and his increasingly conflicted behavior have made him central to the feud. In a triple threat, he also benefits from the format: Cody can lose the championship without being pinned, and the chaos gives Zayn a believable opening to steal the win. Even so, the broader booking picture favors Rhodes. Multiple analysts expect WWE to keep the Undisputed WWE Championship on Cody this close to SummerSlam, where he is widely seen as a likely centerpiece. The consensus is that WWE is not ready to move on from Rhodes as champion, despite the useful unpredictability of a three-man match. Gunther’s presence also hurts Zayn’s chances. He is not just an obstacle for Rhodes but another dominant contender who can absorb much of the match’s control and likely intensify the disorder. That makes Zayn’s redemption arc more likely to continue than to conclude with a coronation. So yes, Zayn can credibly threaten Rhodes in this setting, and the stipulation gives him a real path. But based on current storyline direction and expert expectation, Cody Rhodes remains the favorite to leave Night of Champions with the title.

3 articles · Updated · WWE · Jun 26

Cody Rhodes is set to confront Gunther and Sami Zayn on SmackDown, one night before their Triple Threat match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
Nick Aldis made the 3-way bout after Zayn interfered in Rhodes' match with Gunther last week, turning their rivalry into a three-man title showdown.
Friday's London episode also features Rey Fenix defending the AAA Cruiserweight Championship against Nathan Frazer and Paige wrestling her first singles match since returning.
The show adds momentum to Night of Champions, where Trick Williams is also preparing to defend the U.S. title against new No. 1 contender Ricky Saints.