Sami Zayn will serve as the special guest referee for the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Gunther in Saudi Arabia.

The appointment introduces a volatile element to the title bout, as Zayn is expected to act as a disruptor rather than a neutral official. This role stems from a growing tension between Zayn and the competitors that threatens the stability of the championship contest.

The friction began during a May 29, 2024, episode of SmackDown [2]. During that broadcast, Zayn refused to intervene while Gunther attacked Rhodes, a decision that left the relationship between the three athletes strained. This lack of intervention established Zayn as a wildcard whose motivations remain unclear heading into the premium live event.

The championship rematch is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 2024 [1], as part of the Night of Champions event. The match will take place in Saudi Arabia, where the stakes for the Undisputed WWE Championship are heightened by the presence of an unpredictable official.

Zayn's role as a disruptor suggests that the outcome of the match may depend as much on the referee's actions as on the performance of Rhodes and Gunther. Because the referee holds the power to decide the timing of the count and the legitimacy of the victory, Zayn's history with both men creates a high-risk environment for the title holder and the challenger.

WWE has not released further details regarding the specific nature of Zayn's disruptive intentions, but his previous actions on SmackDown serve as the primary catalyst for this arrangement. The match remains one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Night of Champions card due to the combined prestige of the championship and the personal animosity involved.

“Sami Zayn will serve as the special guest referee for the Undisputed WWE Championship match.”

The inclusion of Sami Zayn as a special guest referee transforms a standard championship match into a psychological game. By casting a known disruptor in a role of authority, WWE is shifting the narrative focus from athletic competition to interpersonal conflict, ensuring that the match result may be contested or influenced by external motives.