Sami Zayn Issues Apology Following WWE SmackDown Controversy
Sami Zayn made some interesting remarks following his stint as a referee on WWE SmackDown.
There was a highly anticipated WWE Championship match on SmackDown in Kansas City on June 19th, but the result left more frustration than anything.
Per the stipulation of the match, Gunther got to pick the stipulation as he challenged Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Title. The strategic Austrian powerhouse ended up choosing a former rival of his as the referee, Sami Zayn. The reason is that, even though Zayn is friends with Rhodes, they have been having major issues, and Gunther wanted to use that to his advantage.
During the match, Gunther didn’t like Sami Zayn’s refereeing style and ended up hitting him with a Powerbomb. It led to referee Adrian Butler taking over during the match until Zayn pulled him out of the ring during a pin attempt.
The finish of the match saw Cody attempt a pin attempt, Gunther had his hands on the ropes, Zayn kicked Gunther’s hand, and Cody got a sunset flip pin attempt, and Zayn did a fast count to give Rhodes the pinfall win.
Zayn’s actions frustrated everybody, so the match was restarted. Zayn didn’t let it go very far, attacking Gunther with a Helluva Kick to force a disqualification.
After the match, Zayn grabbed the WWE Title from referee Butler, and Zayn punched Butler, who is a former wrestler. Cody went over to Zayn, so Zayn hit Cody with the WWE Title to knock him down. The fans chanted, “Sami sucks.” A frustrated Zayn left to boos and even ripped a fan’s sign.
Later in the show, Cody Rhodes approached SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Cody said there’s only one solution to this – he wants to beat them both. Cody said Night of Champions, let’s do a triple threat. Aldis agreed, so they shook on it.
What’s interesting is that Rhodes beat Zayn on SmackDown on May 22nd, and Zayn has only won one TV match in the last two months (May 29th over Matt Cardona), yet he’s getting a WWE Title match at a PLE like Night of Champions.
Sami Zayn Apologizes For SmackDown Actions
In a post on X/Twitter, Sami Zayn remarked on his refereeing during the match between “Goldenboy” Rhodes and Gunther.
“I’d like to apologize. I did my best to fairly call the WWE Championship match between my friend, Goldenboy Cody Rhodes & Gunther. What transpired in the end was not reflective of who I am. I know my Ride or Die fans will have my back regardless, but I promise to do better.”
I’d like to apologize. I did my best to fairly call the WWE Championship match between my friend, Goldenboy Cody Rhodes & Gunther. What transpired in the end was not reflective of who I am. I know my Ride or Die fans will have my back regardless, but I promise to do better. pic.twitter.com/maJCn1X1CD
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) June 22, 2026
Whether WWE fans believe the “Last Real Good Guy” is sincere in his apology is something for each fan to consider.
The WWE Night of Champions PLE takes place on Saturday, June 27th, with this lineup.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
- King of the Ring Finals: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso
- Queen of the Ring Finals: Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan
- Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
- United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Ricky Saints
- Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
You can watch WWE Night of Champions, streaming live Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan in the United States and on Netflix internationally.