{"id":355289,"date":"2026-06-23T19:59:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T14:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/?p=355289"},"modified":"2026-06-23T19:59:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T14:29:30","slug":"sami-zayn-apologizes-for-referee-mishaps-on-wwe-smackdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/index.php\/2026\/06\/23\/sami-zayn-apologizes-for-referee-mishaps-on-wwe-smackdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Sami Zayn Apologizes For Referee Mishaps On WWE SmackDown"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sami Zayn is owning as much as his controversial role during last Friday\u2019s episode of WWE SmackDown.<\/p>\n

The show opened with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defending his title against GUNTHER, with Zayn serving because the special guest referee. Tensions between Zayn and GUNTHER escalated throughout the competition, as the previous Intercontinental Champion repeatedly found himself at odds with \u201cThe Ring General.\u201d<\/p>\n

The match resulted in controversy when Zayn counted a fast three, awarding Rhodes the victory. The disputed finish prompted WWE officials to make a three-way championship match for Night of Champions involving Rhodes, GUNTHER, and Zayn.<\/p>\n

A couple of days later, Zayn addressed the backlash on social media and issued an apology to each GUNTHER and his longtime friend, whom he known as \u201cGoldenboy\u201d Cody Rhodes. He wrote,<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d prefer to apologize. I did my best to fairly call the WWE Championship match between my friend, Goldenboy Cody Rhodes & Gunther. What transpired ultimately was not reflective of who I’m. I do know my Ride or Die fans may have my back regardless, but I promise to do higher.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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I\u2019d prefer to apologize. I did my best to fairly call the WWE Championship match between my friend, Goldenboy Cody Rhodes & Gunther. What transpired ultimately was not reflective of who I’m. I do know my Ride or Die fans may have my back regardless, but I promise to do higher. pic.twitter.com\/maJCn1X1CD<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) June 22, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

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