Cody Rhodes vs Sami Zayn: 3 Possible WWE Match Finishes

Cody Rhodes is reportedly set to face Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn in a special dark match following the October 19 episode of WWE RAW. Although the bout will not be televised, the contest is expected to give fans in San Diego an opportunity to watch two major WWE superstars collide in person.

The potential showdown comes amid reports that WWE has been discussing the addition of high-profile dark matches to its live events to help boost ticket sales. According to PWInsider, the company has internally considered using special matches to provide additional value to fans attending shows.

A match between Rhodes and Zayn would certainly be an attraction for the live audience. Rhodes remains one of WWE’s biggest stars, while Zayn is currently positioned as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Their contrasting personalities and championship ambitions could make the contest particularly interesting, even without a televised broadcast.

Since the match is expected to take place after RAW goes off the air, fans in attendance may share the result and any notable moments on social media. While the actual outcome remains unknown, several possible finishes could make the dark match memorable for the San Diego crowd.

3. Cody Rhodes Wins by Disqualification After Sami Zayn Uses the Championship as a Weapon

Sami Zayn knows that retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship is more important than winning every match through conventional means. If Cody Rhodes manages to gain the upper hand during their potential encounter, the champion could resort to desperate tactics to avoid suffering a defeat.

Rhodes is a formidable opponent who could threaten Zayn’s position if he manages to secure a clean victory. A win over the reigning champion would give The American Nightmare a strong argument for receiving a future championship opportunity.

That possibility could encourage Zayn to take the easy way out if the match begins slipping away from him. Rather than risk being pinned, the Canadian superstar could deliberately get himself disqualified.

How the finish could unfold

Rhodes could build momentum during the closing stages of the match, putting Zayn under pressure and moving closer to a decisive victory. As the champion struggles to regain control, he could grab the Undisputed WWE Championship and use it to strike Rhodes while the referee is watching.

Alternatively, Zayn could deliver an illegal low blow in full view of the official. Either action could prompt the referee to call for the bell and award Rhodes a disqualification victory.

Although the result would not necessarily transfer the championship to Rhodes, it would allow the challenger to claim that he had defeated the champion. Zayn, meanwhile, could protect his titleholder status without having to suffer a pinfall or submission loss.

The finish could also create an opportunity for Rhodes to get some revenge. After the bell, The American Nightmare could recover and fight back, forcing Zayn to retreat and leaving the San Diego audience with a satisfying final moment.

A disqualification finish would allow WWE to present Rhodes as a credible challenger while keeping Zayn’s championship reign intact. It would also leave the door open for a future encounter between the two superstars.

2. Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn Steals a Victory With Underhanded Tactics

Another possible outcome would see Sami Zayn defeat Cody Rhodes through questionable tactics. The champion has described himself as a survivor, and that mentality could become central to his approach if he finds himself facing one of WWE’s most accomplished competitors.

Rhodes possesses the experience and ability to defeat top-level opponents, making him a significant threat in any championship-related encounter. Zayn would therefore have a reason to avoid giving The American Nightmare a fair opportunity to take control of the match.

Instead of relying exclusively on his wrestling ability, Zayn could exploit an opening and use an underhanded tactic to secure an unexpected victory.

Could Zayn use a distraction to his advantage?

One possible scenario would involve Zayn distracting the referee during a crucial moment. While the official is unable to see the action clearly, the champion could use an illegal manoeuvre or take advantage of the situation to gain control.

He could then follow up with his finishing move and secure the pinfall before Rhodes has an opportunity to recover. Such a finish would allow Zayn to claim a victory while reinforcing the idea that he is willing to do whatever it takes to remain champion.

Another possibility would be for Zayn to exploit the ropes or use another illegal advantage during the final moments. If the referee misses the interference, the champion could escape with a controversial win.

These scenarios remain speculative, as no official finish has been announced for the reported dark match. However, a victory through underhanded tactics would fit the suggested portrayal of Zayn as a competitor who prioritises survival and retaining his championship over earning a clean win.

Why this finish could benefit Sami Zayn

A controversial victory would protect Zayn’s standing as champion while establishing Rhodes as a credible threat who was denied a fair opportunity. It would also give the audience a reason to react strongly to the result, especially if Rhodes appears to have the match won before the champion resorts to questionable tactics.

For Rhodes, the loss could provide a storyline reason to demand another match. If he can demonstrate that Zayn needed an illegal advantage to defeat him, The American Nightmare could argue that he deserves another opportunity to challenge for the championship.

For Zayn, meanwhile, the finish would reinforce his determination to remain at the top of WWE. A champion who consistently finds ways to escape difficult situations can become a frustrating obstacle for challengers, creating further tension in future matches.

1. Randy Orton Attacks Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk Makes the Save

The most dramatic possible finish would involve Randy Orton interfering in the match and attacking Cody Rhodes before he can defeat Sami Zayn. The Viper has made it clear that he does not want Rhodes getting close to the Undisputed WWE Championship, setting up a potential confrontation if The American Nightmare appears poised to win.

Orton’s rivalry with Rhodes has already included interference in a major championship-related contest. According to the supplied report, Orton went out of his way to cost Rhodes a potential title win against CM Punk at SummerSlam.

That history could provide a foundation for another attack. If Rhodes looks close to pinning Zayn during the dark match, Orton could emerge unexpectedly and launch an assault on his former ally.

Randy Orton could prevent Rhodes from getting a championship opportunity

Orton’s motivation in this scenario would be straightforward: stop Rhodes from moving closer to the Undisputed WWE Championship. If Rhodes defeats Zayn, he could strengthen his case for a future title match, something The Viper has reportedly vowed to prevent.

The interference could begin just as Rhodes appears to have the contest under control. With the referee distracted or unable to prevent the attack, Orton could strike The American Nightmare and leave him vulnerable.

Zayn could then join Orton in attacking Rhodes, turning the contest into a two-on-one assault. Such a development would allow the champion to escape a potentially dangerous situation while reinforcing the hostility surrounding Rhodes’ championship ambitions.

However, the interference would not necessarily end the segment. WWE could use the moment to introduce another major star and give the live audience an unexpected surprise.

CM Punk arrives to make the save

CM Punk could emerge to help Rhodes, evening the odds and preventing Orton and Zayn from continuing their attack. Punk’s involvement would connect the possible finish to the existing tensions involving Rhodes, Orton and the championship picture.

After making the save, Punk and Rhodes could work together to clear the ring. The two fan favourites could then stand tall as Orton and Zayn retreat, giving the San Diego crowd an energetic conclusion to the night.

A finish of this kind would prioritise entertainment over a definitive result in the Rhodes-Zayn match. It would also create several potential directions for future WWE storylines, including further conflict between Rhodes and Orton and renewed tension involving Punk and the championship scene.

Because the bout is expected to be a dark match, WWE would have flexibility to deliver a surprise moment for the live audience without having to incorporate every detail into the televised RAW broadcast.

Why WWE Could Feature Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn in a Dark Match

Dark matches have traditionally given WWE opportunities to provide additional entertainment for fans attending live events. These contests take place outside the main televised programme and can feature established superstars who are not necessarily scheduled to compete on the broadcast.

The reported plan to feature Rhodes against Zayn would offer attendees a significant attraction after the October 19 episode of RAW. Both performers are prominent names, and a match between them could make the live event more appealing to fans considering whether to purchase tickets.

PWInsider reportedly noted that WWE had been internally discussing the possibility of adding major dark matches to shows to help with ticket sales. If implemented, the strategy could give fans an extra incentive to attend events in person.

A contest featuring the Undisputed WWE Champion and a major star such as Rhodes would fit that approach. Even without television exposure, the match could provide an additional highlight for those in the arena.

Will the Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn Match Affect WWE’s Championship Storyline?

The reported dark match could create several possibilities for WWE’s ongoing championship storytelling, depending on the result and any interference. A clean Rhodes victory would strengthen his position as a potential challenger, while a controversial Zayn win would allow the champion to escape without conclusively settling the rivalry.

A disqualification finish would provide another way to protect Zayn while giving Rhodes a reason to demand a future opportunity. Meanwhile, an attack by Orton and a save by Punk could shift the focus towards the wider rivalries involving the championship picture.

However, because the match is not scheduled to be televised, its direct impact on the main storyline remains uncertain. WWE could use it primarily as an extra attraction for the audience in San Diego rather than as a major development in the championship narrative.

Fans who attend the October 19 episode of RAW may learn more about the outcome through the live event itself, while any notable moments could subsequently circulate on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Cody Rhodes face Sami Zayn in a dark match?

According to the supplied report, Cody Rhodes is scheduled to face Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn in a dark match after the October 19 episode of WWE RAW.

Will Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn be televised?

The reported match is expected to take place after RAW goes off the air, meaning it will not be part of the televised broadcast. Fans in attendance may share the result and notable moments on social media.

What are the three possible finishes to the dark match?

The three speculative finishes are Cody Rhodes winning by disqualification after Zayn uses an illegal tactic, Zayn stealing a victory through underhanded methods, or Randy Orton attacking Rhodes before CM Punk arrives to make the save.

Why might Sami Zayn deliberately get disqualified?

A disqualification could allow Zayn to avoid a pinfall or submission defeat while protecting his position as Undisputed WWE Champion. Rhodes could still use the result to argue that he deserves a future title opportunity.

Why could Randy Orton interfere in the match?

In the supplied report, Orton has vowed to keep Rhodes away from the Undisputed WWE Championship. If Rhodes appears close to defeating Zayn, Orton could interfere to prevent him from strengthening his case for a title shot.

Why might CM Punk make the save?

In one possible scenario, Punk could intervene after Orton and Zayn attack Rhodes. His arrival would help Rhodes fight back and give the live audience a dramatic closing moment.

Why is WWE reportedly considering more major dark matches?

PWInsider reportedly stated that WWE had been internally discussing the addition of major dark matches to shows to help boost ticket sales and provide more entertainment for fans attending live events.

Conclusion

Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn could be a major attraction for fans attending the October 19 episode of WWE RAW in San Diego. Although the reported dark match will not be televised, its result and any unexpected moments could quickly become talking points among WWE fans.

A disqualification victory for Rhodes, an underhanded win for Zayn or an interference angle involving Randy Orton and CM Punk would each offer a different way to end the contest. All three possibilities could preserve future storyline opportunities while giving the live audience a memorable moment.

For now, these remain speculative finishes rather than confirmed plans. The actual outcome of the reported match will depend on WWE’s creative direction, but the potential showdown between Rhodes and the Undisputed WWE Champion provides plenty of possibilities for an entertaining dark match.