BREAKING: Backstage Reason Cody Rhodes Lost Undisputed WWE Title At Night of Champions 2026

Cody Rhodes had a disappointing outing at Night of Champions last night, as he lost his Undisputed WWE Championship. Now, the reason behind the Triple H-led creative’s decision to take the title off him may have been revealed.

Cody Rhodes put his gold on the line against Sami Zayn and Gunther in a Triple Threat Match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All three men pushed each other to their limits in a barnburner main event.

In the end, the Canadian star pulled off an upset, rolling up the American Nightmare to sneak out a victory after the Undisputed WWE Champion went for a second Cross Rhodes.

This marked Sami Zayn’s first world title win in WWE, a moment that once felt like an impossible dream. It was the one title that eluded him his entire career, and now he has finally fulfilled his prophecy.

This brought an abrupt end to Cody Rhodes’ 113-day title reign, during which he successfully defended the gold four times.

According to WrestleVotes, a lot of people backstage were pushing for Sami Zayn to win the world title for a long time, which explains why Cody Rhodes lost his title this Saturday.

“Sami Zayn wins the title. Good for him. It’s something a lot of people backstage have wanted to see happen for a long time.”

You can check out their tweet below:

Interestingly, Cory Hays of False Finish reported that WWE originally wanted to crown the Underdog from the Underground at WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia next year.

However, the creative decided to fast-track his push, realizing that his involvement in the Gunther-Cody Rhodes rivalry made the much-awaited moment even more special.

Sami Zayn is now expected to head into SummerSlam as the Undisputed WWE Champion, assuming he doesn’t lose his title at Saturday Night’s Main Event at MSG.

Obe Femi, who won the King of the Ring final at Night of Champions last night, is slated to choose his SummerSlam opponent on the upcoming episode of RAW.

As for Cody Rhodes, there’s no word yet on whether he is out of the title picture. Given there’s no automatic rematch clause, the American Nightmare will get back in line.

Meanwhile, Gunther laid his hands on Nick Aldis in a heated confrontation backstage immediately after Night of Champions.

The Ring General called the SmackDown General Manager a ‘failed wrestler,’ leaving fans wondering whether a match between the two men is in the works for SummerSlam this year.