Sami Zayn turned his back on Cody Rhodes during the May 22, 2026 [1] episode of WWE SmackDown.

This betrayal marks a significant shift in the alliance between Zayn and Rhodes, potentially altering the landscape of the brand's current storylines. By aligning with Gunther, Zayn completes a transition toward a villainous persona, leaving one of the company's top stars vulnerable.

The incident occurred during a televised segment on Friday night [1]. As tensions between the two wrestlers reached a breaking point, Zayn abandoned Rhodes, which left him defenseless. Gunther immediately capitalized on the situation by attacking Rhodes while he was helpless [1].

Reports indicate the turn was the culmination of ongoing tension between Zayn and Rhodes [1]. The alliance had been fraying for some time, and the May 22 [1] event served as the definitive break. The coordination between Zayn and Gunther suggests a calculated partnership designed to dismantle Rhodes' current standing in the division.

Rhodes was left incapacitated following the assault by Gunther [1]. The broadcast focused on the shock of the betrayal, as Zayn's decision to side with Gunther was unexpected for the audience. This development sets the stage for a multi-person conflict involving all three athletes.

WWE has not yet announced a scheduled match to address the fallout from the attack. However, the alignment of Zayn and Gunther creates a formidable front that Rhodes must now navigate alone. The shift in loyalty ensures that previous partnerships are no longer a guarantee of security within the ring.

“Sami Zayn turned his back on Cody Rhodes”

This betrayal signals a strategic narrative pivot for Sami Zayn, moving him away from a fan-favorite role into a partnership with Gunther. By targeting Cody Rhodes, a central figure in WWE, the company is establishing a new power dynamic that prioritizes conflict and instability over the previous alliance.