Cody Rhodes defeated Sami Zayn during the May 22, 2026 [1], episode of WWE SmackDown.

The victory serves as a critical momentum builder for Rhodes as the brand prepares for the upcoming Saturday Night Main Event. This clash of high-profile competitors highlights the competitive landscape of the blue brand's current roster.

The event took place at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky [2]. The match was positioned as a central attraction of the night, featuring two of the company's most prominent stars in a singles competition.

Reports indicate that the segment also involved Gunther, who appeared during the proceedings [3]. The interaction between the competitors and the presence of Gunther added a layer of tension to the evening's narrative.

Rhodes maintained control of the match to secure the win [3]. The result concludes a specific chapter of the rivalry between Rhodes and Zayn on the Friday-night program, setting the stage for future interactions as the WWE calendar progresses toward its next major event.

Fans in Lexington witnessed the conclusion of the match, which served as the final televised build-up before the weekend's scheduled festivities [1]. The victory reinforces Rhodes' position within the hierarchy of the SmackDown brand as he continues to navigate his current trajectory in the company.

“Cody Rhodes defeated Sami Zayn during the May 22, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown.”

This result establishes Cody Rhodes as the dominant force heading into the Saturday Night Main Event. By defeating a veteran like Sami Zayn in a high-stakes go-home show environment, Rhodes strengthens his standing in the title picture, while Gunther's involvement suggests a broader, multi-person conflict is developing within the SmackDown division.