Friday Night SmackDown Results, Winners and WWE Highlights

The epic Undisputed WWE Championship Match between Cody Rhodes and Gunther ended in controversial fashion as Special Guest Referee Sami Zayn inserted himself into the action. The Ring General was dominant early, taking advantage of a mistake from Zayn to brutalize the champion, even locking in a very disrespectful Figure-Four Leglock that nearly forced Rhodes to submit. The American Nightmare fired back with a Cross Rhodes, but Gunther got his foot under the bottom rope, forcing Zayn to break the pinfall. An ensuing argument nearly spelled doom for Rhodes as Zayn shoved him right into a Guillotine submission, which nearly ended the bout. Zayn continued to struggle maintaining order, causing Gunther to snap and hit him with a Powerbomb. A new official ran down, but Zayn took him out and cost Gunther with a quick count and allow The American Nightmare to retain the Undisputed WWE Title. Sami Zayn meddled in Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther AGAIN!

Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan conquered Charlotte Flair to secure her spot in the Queen of the Ring Tournament Final. Flair was the victim of a brutal pre-match attack led by Jade Cargill, forcing The Queen to compete at far from 100 percent. Flair's injury was compounded by an uncalled cheap shot from Morgan before the bell. The Queen fought valiantly, but her injury was too much to overcome as Morgan hit Oblivion to advance to Night of Champions.