3 Potential Endings to WWE SmackDown Tonight

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Charlotte Flair and Liv Morgan will square off in the semi-finals of the 2026 Queen of the Ring Tournament. Meanwhile, Jey Uso and Je’Von Evans will collide for a spot in the final of the King of the Ring. After weeks of tension, Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints will face off in a number one contender’s bout. The winner will receive a shot at Trick Williams’ United States Championship.

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will heavily influence the match card for Night of Champions 2026. It also has the potential to alter the company’s plans heading into SummerSlam. With a lot at stake, the creative team will aim to produce a memorable program this week.

In this article, we will discuss three potential endings to WWE SmackDown tonight.

#3. Cody Rhodes Could Retain the Undisputed WWE Championship Following a Mix-up

At Clash in Italy, Gunther lost to Cody Rhodes in a controversial manner. The Ring General’s foot was under the bottom rope when Rhodes attempted to pin him. Instead of calling for a rope break, the referee awarded the win to The American Nightmare.

Following his loss, The Austrian Anomaly chose the stipulation for his Undisputed WWE Championship rematch against Cody Rhodes. Given the animosity between Rhodes and Sami Zayn, the former Imperium leader picked The Master Strategist as the special referee for the title bout. The Ring General seemingly plans on using the differences between Zayn and Rhodes to his advantage.

Zayn is widely expected to backstab Rhodes during the match and cost him the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, WWE might not pull the trigger on the imminent betrayal just yet. The former United States Champion has a storied history with The Austrian Anomaly. Hence, Zayn could have a heated exchange with Gunther during the contest.

The American Nightmare could take advantage of a potential mix-up between Gunther and Sami Zayn. He could hit The Ring General with a Cross Rhodes to emerge victorious. The potential angle could set up a Triple Threat Match between Rhodes, Zayn, and Gunther at Night of Champions 2026.

#2. Gunther Could Dethrone Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown With the Help of Sami Zayn

Ahead of Clash in Italy, Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes squared off in a singles match on WWE SmackDown. The bout was booked after a fiery argument between Rhodes and Zayn. The American Nightmare ended up defeating The Master Strategist. Following the contest, Gunther launched an attack on Rhodes.

Sami Zayn had the chance to save The American Nightmare from the unexpected attack. However, he surprisingly chose to walk away. Zayn later revealed that he refused to help Rhodes because he wanted to teach him a lesson. The Undisputed WWE Champion seemed furious after the development and issued a warning to his friend.

Last week on SmackDown, Zayn and Rhodes had a back-and-forth promo battle in the ring. During the exchange, Zayn laid his hands on The Prodigal Son. He seemed regretful after the assault. In response, The American Nightmare slapped The Master Strategist.

Zayn stopped himself from using a steel chair on last week’s show. However, he could get his revenge on Rhodes during tonight’s world title match on WWE SmackDown. The former United States Champion could drop Rhodes with a Helluva Kick, allowing Gunther to gain an edge.

The Austrian Anomaly could lock in the Sleeper Hold on a battered Cody Rhodes to pick up the win via submission. Rhodes could pass out in the hold, enabling WWE to protect his credibility. The potential angle could allow the creative team to continue the Zayn-Rhodes saga on WWE SmackDown.

As the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Gunther could bring a much-needed change to the world title picture on the blue brand.

#1. Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther Could End in a No-Contest on WWE SmackDown

WWE Night of Champions 2026 will take place in Riyadh. Cody Rhodes is featured on the show’s poster and will likely have a match in Riyadh. Interestingly, Zayn enjoys a massive fan following in the Middle East and is rumored to participate in the premium live event.

WWE has the opportunity to book both Rhodes and Zayn for Night of Champions with tonight’s world title match. It’s unlikely that The American Nightmare will lose his gold on a regular episode of SmackDown. However, the creative team cannot afford to hand another loss to Gunther.

The Ring General is red-hot right now after ending the careers of Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles. He must be protected at all costs on tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown.

During the world title match on WWE SmackDown, Sami Zayn could snap and attack Rhodes and Gunther. A frustrated Zayn could let his inner demons take control and take out both competitors with vicious kicks. The potential angle could protect both Rhodes and The Ring General.

By possibly attacking Gunther and Rhodes, Zayn could instantly enter world title contention. WWE could then book a Triple Threat championship bout in Riyadh later this month.

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