WWE's SmackDown highlights package frames the angle around Gunther handpicking Zayn for the special guest referee role ahead of the return bout with Rhodes. The clip does not spell out the full stipulations or the finish, but the setup alone puts three major names in the same orbit on the blue brand.

Until full SmackDown fallout is confirmed, the verified beat is the referee selection itself: Gunther wanted Sami Zayn in charge for the Cody Rhodes rematch on June 12, 2026.