Sami Zayn turned his back on Cody Rhodes during a post-match attack by Gunther on Friday night's SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky.
Zayn had earlier complained about losing airtime, calling Rhodes "golden boy," which led to their main event match. Despite a hard-fought bout-Zayn targeting Rhodes' left knee and Rhodes countering with a Cross Rhodes for the win-Gunther immediately attacked Rhodes post-match. Zayn entered the ring, stared down Gunther, but then shook his head and walked away, leaving Rhodes vulnerable.
In other action, Rhea Ripley officially challenged Jade Cargill for a WWE Women's Championship rematch at Clash in Italy. Cargill, alongside Michin and B-Fab, later attacked Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss post-match.
SmackDown Results:
- Talla Tonga def. Shinsuke Nakamura
- Tiffany Stratton def. Lash Legend (Women's U.S. Title)
- Trick Williams def. Carmelo Hayes
- Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley def. Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid
- Solo Sikoa def. Damian Priest
- Cody Rhodes def. Sami Zayn