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Sami Zayn Costs GUNTHER WWE Championship on SmackDown

Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship in SmackDown's opening match against GUNTHER, with special guest referee Sami Zayn at the center of the finish.

By Editor1 min read

Rhodes and GUNTHER traded momentum early. Zayn pulled Rhodes off GUNTHER, allowing GUNTHER to boot Rhodes while he was distracted. Rhodes answered with a Cody Cutter before GUNTHER locked in a figure-four. When GUNTHER used the ropes for leverage, Zayn got in his face. Rhodes nearly scored off the distraction, hit a Cross Rhodes, and GUNTHER's foot was under the ropes, which Zayn noticed, echoing their Clash in Italy match. Zayn and Rhodes argued, and Zayn shoved Rhodes into GUNTHER's sleeper hold.

GUNTHER and Zayn shoved each other before GUNTHER powerbombed Zayn. A second referee counted two after Rhodes hit a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes. GUNTHER powerbombed Rhodes and nearly had him pinned before Zayn pulled the referee out. As GUNTHER held the ropes to avoid another roll-up, Zayn kicked his arms, Rhodes completed the pin, and Zayn counted a fast three.

After an argument involving Nick Aldis, Rhodes had the match restarted with an official referee. Zayn interfered again, hitting a Helluva Kick on GUNTHER after the bell rang a second time to cause a disqualification. Rhodes walked out still champion.

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