Trending Now - Sami Zayn Betrays Cody Rhodes on WWE Smackdown: Here's Why

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes were the main participants in the WWE SmackDown main event.

Cageside Seats - Cody Rhodes is the WWE Champion.

WHAT:

Sportskeeda - Sami Zayn made a massive decision to close out the show, indicating a significant shift in his character.

Sportskeeda - The ending of SmackDown was described as dramatic and controversial, highlighting the tension between Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn.

Sportskeeda - Sami Zayn faced off against Cody Rhodes in the main event of WWE SmackDown.

Cageside Seats - The match ended with Cody Rhodes pinning Sami Zayn after executing his finishing move, Cross Rhodes.

Cageside Seats - Sami Zayn turned his back on Cody Rhodes and walked out of the ring during the match.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - The event took place during an episode of WWE SmackDown.

WHEN:

Cageside Seats - The episode of SmackDown occurred on May 22.

WHY:

Cageside Seats - The conflict escalated after Cody Rhodes overheard Sami Zayn expressing frustration about him, which contributed to Zayn's decision to turn his back on Rhodes.

Cageside Seats - The conflict arose after Cody Rhodes rejected Sami Zayn's offer to help him deal with GUNTHER, leading to a backstage segment where Zayn expressed frustration about Rhodes.

HOW:

Cageside Seats - Sami Zayn initially intervened to help Cody Rhodes by knocking GUNTHER down, but later chose to walk out on Rhodes during the match.

Cageside Seats - GUNTHER interfered in the match, attempting to put Cody Rhodes to sleep, which prompted Sami Zayn to initially intervene by knocking GUNTHER down.

(UPDATED May 23, 2026 09:28 UTC)

Sami Zayn made a dramatic decision to close out SmackDown, marking a significant shift in his character that has fans buzzing. The tension between Zayn and Cody Rhodes escalated after Rhodes overheard Zayn expressing frustration, leading to Zayn turning his back on him during the match. Initially, Zayn had intervened to help Rhodes by taking down GUNTHER, but ultimately chose to walk out, leaving the ending of the show controversial and full of drama.

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(UPDATED May 23, 2026 07:45 UTC)

In a dramatic main event at WWE SmackDown, Cody Rhodes, the reigning WWE Champion, faced off against Sami Zayn, who ultimately turned his back and walked out of the ring during the match. The bout concluded with Rhodes pinning Zayn after delivering his signature finishing move, Cross Rhodes, despite interference from GUNTHER, who attempted to put Rhodes to sleep. The conflict between Rhodes and Zayn escalated after Rhodes rejected Zayn's offer for help against GUNTHER, leading to Zayn's visible frustration during a backstage segment.