Sami Zayn was attacked by Gunther during a WWE SmackDown broadcast after Zayn turned his back on Cody Rhodes [1].
The incident marks a significant shift in the interpersonal dynamics between these three competitors. By refusing to intervene on behalf of Rhodes, Zayn positioned himself as a target for Gunther, further complicating the ongoing storylines within the promotion.
The events took place during the May 22, 2024 [1] episode of SmackDown, which was filmed in Lexington, Kentucky [2]. During the main event, Zayn served as a guest referee and was described as an active participant in the match [3].
Despite his involvement in the officiating, the situation escalated following the conclusion of the bout. Zayn chose not to help Rhodes, a betrayal that prompted Gunther to launch a post-match attack [2]. Gunther effectively squashed Zayn, leaving the former guest referee incapacitated on the mat.
Reports on the nature of Zayn's role during the match varied. Some accounts emphasized his active participation as a referee [3], while other reports focused on his failure to intervene when Rhodes needed assistance [2].
Zayn later said the decision to betray his associate was intentional. In a follow-up discussion detailed on May 29, 2024 [4], the reasons behind his actions were explored as part of the broader narrative feud involving Gunther and Rhodes.
The physical confrontation in Lexington served as a catalyst for further tension. By alienating both Rhodes and Gunther, Zayn has entered a volatile position in the WWE hierarchy, facing repercussions from one of the most dominant forces in the ring [2].
“Sami Zayn was attacked by Gunther during a WWE SmackDown broadcast after Zayn turned his back on Cody Rhodes.”
This sequence of events signals a strategic narrative pivot for Sami Zayn, moving him from a supportive ally of Cody Rhodes to a marginalized figure targeted by Gunther. The transition from guest referee to victim underscores the unpredictability of WWE storylines, where official roles often serve as precursors to physical conflict and character alignment shifts.
