GUNTHER selects Sami Zayn as referee for title match against Cody Rhodes

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GUNTHER gets his rematch against WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on next week’s (June 19) episode of SmackDown. Thanks to the Ring General’s competent lawyers, he’s even allowed to pick the stipulation for the title match! GUNTHER didn’t waste much time on tonight’s (June 12) episode letting GM Nick Aldis know he won’t let WWE’s incompetent referees screw him over against Rhodes, like they did at Clash In Italy. That’s why he’s picking the referee for the rematch. However, we had to wait until later in the show to find out who while GUNTHER mulled over his choices. What's the stipulation?! 🤔@Gunther_AUT wants HIS CHOICE of who will be the referee for his WWE Championship Match against @CodyRhodes… 👀 pic.twitter.com/NoMhifQPli — WWE (@WWE) June 13, 2026 During that time, Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes had it out again with another argument inside the ring. Cody said the reason why fans boo Sami is because he does suck now, and he’s jealous of the fact that Cody holding the WWE championship means Sami never will. Zayn slapped Cody in the face for that remark. He was quick to apologize, but the champ returned in kind. Sami grabbed a steel chair, but that was the end of it as fans booed him out of the arena. You want him to be honest?! 😳@CodyRhodes just went OFF on @SamiZayn!! 😱 😱 pic.twitter.com/1wb4EPJAd6 — WWE (@WWE) June 13, 2026 GUNTHER saw that go down and came up with his master plan. He wants the last real good guy in WWE to be the referee for his rematch against Rhodes. Well this changes things… 🤯@Gunther_AUT has picked SAMI ZAYN to be the referee in his WWE Championship Match against @CodyRhodes! pic.twitter.com/HmSPFz3FFx — WWE (@WWE) June 13, 2026 Cody later told Aldis that this can’t really be happening because Sami is an emotional wreck. Zayn overheard those words and threw them right back at Rhodes while wishing him good luck next week. The tables have turned. @SamiZayn now holds the power over @CodyRhodes… 😬 pic.twitter.com/mT217clONA — WWE (@WWE) June 13, 2026 Do you think GUNTHER picked a bad stipulation for his title rematch, or is this the perfect way to get the championship off Rhodes after his blow-up with Zayn? Let me know in the comments below, Cagesiders. Catch up on all the results from SmackDown in our live blog right here.