Cody Rhodes demands triple threat for Night of Champions with Gunther and Sami Zayn

Ask and you shall receive, Cody Rhodes.

The undisputed WWE Champion demanded that SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis put him in a match at Night of Champions against Gunther and Sami Zayn in hopes of eliminating each challenger and putting an end to their complaints.

The match was made and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns who have been at his side since before the Clash in Italy. But all of this happened after the absurdity that took place to kick off “Friday Night SmackDown.”

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Zayn was the guest referee, at Gunther’s request, for Gunther’s WWE Undisputed Championship match against Rhodes. Zayn, according to him, was calling the match right in the middle. He pulled Gunther off Rhodes to break a submission hold and got crushed for it.

Gunther powerbombed Rhodes and stacked him on the pinfall attempt. After a new umpire came to help in the match, he was the one who counted the pins. But Zayn knocked him out of the ring. Gunther was angry. Rhodes tried to knock Gunther off the apron but couldn’t take him down. Zayn knocked Gunther’s hands off the rope, allowing Rhodes to pin him. Zayn counted out quickly and helped Rhodes retain the title.

Zayn and Aldis argued in Gorilla position. Gunther wanted a new match and eliminated Zayn. Rhodes, in the ring, demanded a new match. They each received one. However, Zayn wouldn’t let that happen. Zayn hit Gunther with the title belt and forced a disqualification. Zayn then may have accidentally knocked out Rhodes with the belt.

Aldis was upset by Zayn’s call. But Zayn reminded Aldis that he was the one who wanted Zayn to be the referee. Zayn argued that he called the match right before Gunther got his hands on him. He said Rhodes should “thank” him because he’s still the champion.

All of this led to Rhodes going to Aldis and demanding the triple threat match for Night of Champions.

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The King and Queen of the Ring finals are determined

Jey Uso competes against Je’Von Evans at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri on June 19, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE)

Jey Uso and Je’Von Evans exchanged words in the back for their match on “SmackDown.” Uso was a wily veteran, a former heavyweight champion of the world, who was looking to get back into title contention. Evans was a fearless rookie trying to make a name for himself.

The two battled for a spot in the King of the Ring finals and a chance to face Oba Femi at Night of Champions with a championship opportunity on the line. Uso received no help from The Bloodline or Solo Sikoa as he picked up the victory.

In the semi-finals of Queen of the Ring, Liv Morgan faced Charlotte Flair. But it was Jade Cargill and her allies, Michin and B-Fab, who took the advantage. The Cargill group attacked Flair’s banged knee before the match, giving Morgan the advantage.

Morgan focused on Flair’s knee. She hit Oblivion on Flair but couldn’t get the pinfall. She then put Flair in a half Boston crab. Flair kicked out and Morgan advanced to the Queen of the Ring finals.

Morgan will face Iyo Sky with a title opportunity on the line. Morgan is already the Women’s World Champion and her victory moved her one step closer to potentially challenging Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship.

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SmackDown match results:

Liv Morgan celebrates at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri on June 19, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE)

Cody Rhodes (c) def. “Gunther will retain the undisputed WWE title”.

Gunther def. Cody Rhodes via DQ.

Damian Priest and R-Truth (c) def. Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga will retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.

Ricky Saints def. Carmelo Hayes will earn the top contender spot for the United States Championship.

Jey Uso def. Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring tournament.

Liv Morgan def. Charlotte Flair in the Queen of the Ring tournament.