Undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes and one of his close allies, Sami Zayn, traded slaps in the latest episode of “SmackDown”, as tensions between the two friends almost exploded into violence.
The friendship between the two has been rocky, as Zayn’s aspirations for championship gold collide with his ties to Rhodes.
Zayn’s true colours were revealed two weeks ago, when he left Rhodes helpless during an attack by Gunther.
However, during an altercation last week, Gunther once again attacked Rhodes but Zayn did not turn a blind eye unlike the weeks before.
But Rhodes accidentally landed a “Suicide Dive” on Zayn as Gunther slipped away.
In the latest episode, Zayn called out Rhodes and stated that he needs to clear the air out and address the situation they are in.
Zayn noted that he always helps the champion, but he ends up “paying the price for it”, as he questioned if Rhodes meant to hit him with the “Suicide Dive”.
Rhodes denied the accusation and stated that it was an accident.
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Rhodes and Zayn exchange a war of words
Rhodes then noted how Zayn was present during his big win at “WrestleMania 40” where he won the WWE Championship.
But Zayn cut him off, stating: “… Let’s be clear about something, I wasn’t just some guy in the ring that night, I was the first guy in the ring that night when you finished your story and won the WWE Championship,” recalling how dozens from the locker room celebrated the championship win.
Zayn asked Rhodes how many of those wrestlers who celebrated with him back then are still his friends now, adding: “So it just gets me thinking, is the problem all of those guys or is the problem you?”
Zayn then urged Rhodes to be honest with him, but the champion exploded and stated that the crowd has been disliking Zayn because he is “not the Sami Zayn that they fell in love with… you’re not my Sami Zayn, you’re something else; if anything, you’re desperate.”
Rhodes then stated that if he is champion, Zayn will never have the belt.
Zayn slapped Rhodes in response, but he was apologetic and stated that he did not mean it.
However, Rhodes replied with a slap of his own.
But Zayn did not take it lightly, leaving the ring and getting a steel chair.
However, Zayn did not go through with the attack and went backstage.
Rhodes-Gunther rematch
Gunther called for a rematch against Rhodes after he lost to the champion in a match in “Clash in Italy” after a controversial finish.
Rhodes got the pinfall victory despite Gunther placing his leg below the bottom rope which constitutes a rope break.
The rematch will have a special guest referee as a special stipulation made by Gunther.
Zayn and Rhodes’ friendship will be tested as Gunther picked the former as the referee for the match in the next episode of “SmackDown”.
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