Sami Zayn captured the WWE Championship in a stunning triple threat match at Night of Champions on Saturday, pinning Cody Rhodes after a roll-up to claim his first world title in 13 years with the company.
Underdog finally gets his due
Zayn, who had been chasing a world championship for over a decade, secured the win after Rhodes hit a Cross-Rhodes on both Zayn and GUNTHER. Zayn slipped out and rolled up Rhodes for the three-count, then jumped into the crowd in Saudi Arabia with visible emotion.
“A lot of folks said I would never win the WWE Championship. But I stand here tonight in front of my people,” Zayn said on the post-show as fans chanted “you deserve it.” He added: “You’re damn right I deserve it. 20 plus years in the game at the highest level, never got the recognition. 10-plus years chasing this Championship, never got the recognition. I don’t care what happens to me, forever I will be Sami Zayn, WWE Champion.”
Fan and peer reactions
The win sent shockwaves through the fanbase on social media. @WrestleFeatures wrote: “One of the most shocking title changes in WWE history. WOW.” Fan @RichStapless called it “one of the greatest title matches I’ve ever seen” and said “the Underdog from the Underground finally got his due.” Another fan compared it to Eddie Guerrero’s win over Brock Lesnar at No Way Out 2004, noting Zayn’s celebration in the crowd mirrored Guerrero’s.
Triple H shared a photo with Zayn, writing: “From underdog to undisputed. Congrats to the NEW @WWE Undisputed Champion @SamiZayn! Never say never.” Kevin Owens, Zayn’s longtime friend sidelined by a neck injury since early 2025, posted: “I’ve missed a lot of things I wish I hadn’t in the last 15 months because of this injury but today is, by far, the one I wish I had been there for the most. … Sami becoming WWE Champion was inevitable. He has deserved that moment for a very long time and I am so happy to see him finally get it.” Becky Lynch added: “I was crying tears of joy then and I’m crying tears of joy now! So well deserved! Congratulations @SamiZayn!!”
A historic moment
The victory marks Zayn as a Grand Slam Champion and future Hall of Famer. WWE expert Alistair McGeorge noted: “Fans had been worried Sami might never get this title, but he will now forever be mentioned among the all-time greats.” The match itself was widely praised as one of the best title matches in recent memory.
