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Cody Rhodes’ Former Friend Shockingly Turns On Him At WWE SmackDown; Heel Turn Confirmed?

By Faiz Ahmed • Published May 22, 2026 23:14 EDT
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Cody Rhodes on May 8, 2026, SmackDown - Image Source: WWE.com

The Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, has a huge target painted on his back, and that has led to the American Nightmare being surrounded by people who are after him.

Rhodes has been bickering with Sami Zayn for the last few months now, and the two former friends have been logging heads quite often. The two of them got into an argument once again tonight after Zayn was complaining to Nick Aldis.

Zayn isn’t the only one behind Cody, though, as the Ring General, Gunther, is also focused on coming for the American Nightmare’s Undisputed WWE Championship, and Aldis confirmed that Rhodes will get his match at Clash In Italy.

After getting into an argument once again on SmackDown tonight, Rhodes and Zayn were scheduled to face each other in the main event tonight. Both of them put on an entertaining bout for the fans with Sami targeting Rhodes’ left knee throughout the match.

Gunther catches Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown tonight

Cody braved through the pain and eventually came back into the match by hitting Zayn with a top rope Cody Cutter. While Zayn kicked out, Rhodes looked to pounce on him with the CrossRhodes.

However, as the referee checked on Zayn, Gunther snuck up behind Cody and put him in the sleeper hold. Zayn saw Gunther and went to attack either of them, but Cody moved out of the way, and Sami took Gunther out.

Cody then capitalized on a distracted Sami and hit the CrossRhodes to get the win. His triumph was short-lived, though, as Gunther came back and caught him in the Sleeper Hold properly, while Sami looked on.

Zayn saw Gunther choking Cody out in the ring, and it seemed like he would attack the Ring General on multiple occasions, but chose to walk away from the ring, possibly turning heel in the process after showing signs for the last few months.

Meanwhile, Gunther continued to assault Cody and hit him with a couple of huge Powerbombs as well before posing with his Undisputed WWE Championship as their match at Clash In Italy was confirmed.

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