Sami Zayn offers storyline apology for performance as referee on WWE SmackDown

The Undisputed WWE Championship match that opened Friday Night SmackDown last week ended in controversy. Now, the center of that controversy is apologizing for his actions.

Sami Zayn, the special referee for the Cody Rhodes-Gunther championship match, has issued a statement on social media saying that he is sorry.

“I’d like to apologize,” Zayn wrote. “I did my best to fairly call the WWE Championship match between my friend, Goldenboy Cody Rhodes and Gunther. What transpired in the end was not reflective of who I am. I know my Ride or Die fans will have my back regardless, but I promise to do better.”

Per the stipulations of the match, Gunther was allowed to pick the special referee for the match against Rhodes. He chose Zayn, a longtime friend of Rhodes who had recently been having frequent disagreements with the champion.

Zayn ended up putting his hands on both competitors, and they put their hands on him in return. Zayn eventually lost his temper and aided Rhodes in hitting a sunset flip, then fast-counted Gunther’s shoulders down for the pin. 

The match was quickly restarted with a new referee, but Zayn appeared again. The second match ended via disqualification after Zayn kicked Gunther in the face.

Later on SmackDown Rhodes met with SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis and asked to face both Gunther and Zayn in a triple threat match at Night of Champions.