Sami Zayn Wins Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions

On June 27, 2026, WWE Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia featured a triple-threat main event. Sami Zayn pinned Cody Rhodes after countering a Cross Rhodes, securing his first Undisputed WWE Championship. Gunther was not pinned.

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Zayn entered the event after a year of “spiraling” since a January loss to Drew McIntyre, positioning him as a desperate challenger. The card also produced King of the Ring winner Oba Femi (defeating Jey Uso) and Queen of the Ring winner Iyo Sky (defeating Liv Morgan), both earning SummerSlam title opportunities. Other notable figures include SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and former champion Gunther.

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• Main event: Triple-threat for the Undisputed title; Zayn wins via pin on Rhodes.

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• King of the Ring: Oba Femi wins with a Fall From Grace.

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• Queen of the Ring: Iyo Sky wins after a Spanish Fly and Over the Moonsault.

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The Riyadh audience repeatedly chanted “You deserve it” as Zayn received the belt. Michael Cole called the finish “a miracle in Riyadh.”

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Zayn’s victory reshapes the SmackDown hierarchy. Potential challengers include Rhodes, Gunther, and King of the Ring winner Oba Femi, who may select any world champion for his SummerSlam match. Iyo Sky’s win sets a Women’s World title defense against Liv Morgan at the same event.

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WWE announced Zayn as the new Undisputed champion and confirmed title shots for Oba Femi and Iyo Sky at SummerSlam. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was identified as the on-screen authority handling the post-match fallout, including Gunther’s backstage confrontation.

GUNTHER & Nick Aldis Get Into Physical Altercation During WWE Night Of Champions Post-Show, GUNTHER Calls Aldis A ‘Failed Wrestler’

USA Today’s grading noted several underwhelming bouts, suggesting uneven overall quality. The Gunther-Aldis confrontation was described by multiple outlets as a “backstage angle,” prompting questions about its authenticity.

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Sources differ on whether the Gunther-Aldis incident was scripted or a genuine dispute, with some labeling it a physical altercation and others an angle, leaving the exact nature unclear.

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• “A miracle in Riyadh,” — Michael Cole, WWE broadcaster

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• “But I stand here tonight in front of my people in Riyadh. … It is hard to believe. Oh my God. I’m not usually at a loss for words but …” — Sami Zayn, post-match interview

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• “You’re f—king jealous because you’re a failed wrestler.” — Gunther, confronting Nick Aldis

Gunther and Nick Aldis get physical in WWE Night of Champions post-show angle - POST Wrestling

• “You deserve it.” — Becky Lynch, social-media reaction

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• “Underdog from the underground…now on top of the world. Congrats champ. Sami Zayn Forever” — @DramaKingMatt, Twitter

Sports Illustrated

• “It took 10 tries, but Sami Zayn FINALLY wins a World championship. Six months ago he was treading water. It's amazing what a simple character change can do for someone.” — Ciarán James, Twitter

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SummerSlam on August 21 will feature Zayn’s first title defense, a possible King of the Ring challenge from Oba Femi, and Iyo Sky’s Women’s World title bout against Liv Morgan. Additional storylines may involve Cody Rhodes seeking a rematch and Gunther’s ongoing feud with Nick Aldis.

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