Rhodes Secures Triple Threat for Undisputed Title at Night of Champions

Champion Demands Resolution, Faces Dual Challengers

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has officially booked himself into a high-stakes triple-threat match for the upcoming Night of Champions event. The champion’s demand, made to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, aims to settle ongoing disputes with both Gunther and Sami Zayn by facing them simultaneously.

This championship bout will see Rhodes defend his title against two persistent adversaries who have been a source of contention since before the Clash in Italy event. The path to this match was paved with considerable chaos that unfolded at the start of Friday night’s SmackDown broadcast.

Chaotic Championship Encounter Leads to Demands

The evening’s main event featured Sami Zayn serving as guest referee for the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Gunther. Zayn, asserting he officiated fairly, intervened when Gunther applied a submission hold on Rhodes, only to be shoved aside. Gunther then executed a powerbomb on Rhodes and initiated a pinfall.

As a new official entered the ring to count the pin, Zayn again intervened, pulling the referee out. A visibly incensed Gunther was then subjected to an attempted sunset flip from the ring apron by Rhodes, which initially failed. Zayn’s timely kick to Gunther’s hands as they gripped the ropes proved decisive, allowing Rhodes to secure the victory and retain his championship. Zayn then administered a swift count.

Following the match, a confrontation ensued backstage between Zayn and Aldis. Gunther, seeking immediate retribution, attacked Zayn. Simultaneously, Rhodes, still in the ring, vocally demanded a new match to address the situation.

Disruptions and Declarations Set the Stage

The escalating tensions saw Sami Zayn strike Gunther with the championship belt, resulting in a disqualification. In a further turn of events, Zayn appeared to inadvertently strike Rhodes with the belt as well.

An exasperated Aldis questioned Zayn’s actions. Zayn, however, defended his officiating, reminding Aldis that he was the one who appointed him referee. He maintained his commitment to a fair match before Gunther’s physical intervention. Zayn then suggested Rhodes should be grateful, as his actions ensured the champion retained his title.

This tumultuous sequence of events culminated in Rhodes approaching Aldis and formally requesting the triple-threat match for Night of Champions, a request that was subsequently granted.

Tournament Updates Shape Future Showdowns

In other SmackDown action, the King of the Ring tournament saw Jey Uso emerge victorious over Je’Von Evans in a highly anticipated matchup. Uso, a seasoned veteran, faced off against the promising rookie Evans. This win secures Uso a place in the finals and a potential championship opportunity against Oba Femi at Night of Champions.

The Queen of the Ring semifinals featured a contentious bout between Liv Morgan and Charlotte Flair. Jade Cargill and her associates, Michin and B-Fab, interfered, targeting Flair’s injured knee prior to the match. This tactical advantage allowed Morgan to focus her offense on Flair’s knee. Despite Flair’s resilience, Morgan secured the win with her finisher, Oblivion, and later applied a submission hold that forced Flair to tap out.

Liv Morgan will now advance to face Iyo Sky in the Queen of the Ring final. With Morgan already holding the Women’s World Championship, this victory brings her one step closer to a potential challenge for Rhea Ripley’s WWE Women’s Championship.

Match Results from SmackDown:

• Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Gunther to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
• Gunther defeated Cody Rhodes via disqualification.
• Damian Priest and R-Truth (c) defeated Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.
• Ricky Saints defeated Carmelo Hayes to earn the No. 1 contender spot for the United States Championship.
• Jey Uso defeated Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring Tournament.
• Liv Morgan defeated Charlotte Flair in the Queen of the Ring Tournament.