3 Superstars who could disrupt Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship on SmackDown

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Aldis also allowed The Ring General to pick the stipulation, and taking advantage of the tensions between Rhodes and Zayn, the Austrian star chose Zayn as the special guest referee.

The upcoming bout already promises to be a chaotic affair due to the Canadian star’s involvement. However, it might see other interferences as well. In this listicle, we will look at three WWE Superstars who could disrupt Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther on SmackDown.

#3. Randy Orton

Randy Orton could finally make his return on SmackDown. The Viper has not appeared on WWE television since WrestleMania 42, where he failed to defeat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. After the match, Orton attacked Rhodes and laid him out with a Punt Kick.

However, the story never went any further. Orton has been absent ever since, and WWE has yet to revisit the issues between him and Rhodes. That could change this week.

With Cody set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther, Orton would have the perfect opportunity to remind everyone that he is still interested in the title picture. He could interrupt the match and target Rhodes.

At the same time, Orton may not care who leaves with the championship. He could take out Cody, Gunther, and even Sami Zayn to make a statement and put himself back into the conversation. After months away from television, disrupting a world title match would certainly get everyone’s attention.

#2. Former Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre could also make a surprise return on SmackDown. The Scottish Warrior has been absent since WrestleMania 42, where he lost an Unsanctioned Match to Jacob Fatu. Since then, he has been away from WWE television due to Hollywood commitments.

Recent reports have suggested that McIntyre could remain away for a while longer. However, WWE has a history of surprising fans with unexpected returns. If Drew is available, the Undisputed WWE Championship match would be the perfect place for him to re-emerge.

After all, McIntyre has always positioned himself as a main event star. Rather than spending weeks rebuilding momentum, he could immediately insert himself into the title picture by attacking Cody Rhodes, Gunther, or even both men. Another possibility is Drew helping Gunther win the championship and creating an alliance of convenience between the two.

Either way, a return during the title match would instantly put McIntyre back into one of SmackDown’s biggest storylines.

#1. CM Punk

CM Punk is another name who could disrupt the title match. The Second City Saint has been absent from television since losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. While there has been no official update on his return, Punk remains one of the biggest stars in the company.

Moreover, on the RAW after WrestleMania 42, Punk and Rhodes shared a segment that teased a future rivalry between the two stars. While nothing came of it immediately, the company could always revisit that direction.

A comeback during this week’s SmackDown would certainly make an impact. Punk has made it clear in the past that he wants to be involved in the biggest matches and championship rivalries. Interrupting a bout involving Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Sami Zayn would immediately put him back in the spotlight.

He could perhaps come out to help The American Nightmare if he gets double-teamed by Gunther and Sami Zayn. Given his star power and current absence, Punk remains a realistic candidate to make a surprise appearance during the match.