After the conclusion of Friday Night SmackDown on August 29, 2025, WWE star Sami Zayn made a significant step toward achieving the Grand Slam Champion status by winning the United States Championship. This latest victory, secured in Lyon, France, marks a crucial milestone for Zayn as he targets the prestigious accolade that requires winning all major titles available in his division.
In a surprising showdown against Solo Sikoa, Zayn secured the United States Title for the first time in his WWE career. This achievement has reignited speculation that he might become the next Grand Slam Champion, possibly even before John Cena, highlighting Zayn’s rising prominence in the company.
Indicators Suggest Sami Zayn Could Soon Claim the World Championship
Throughout his WWE tenure, Sami Zayn has established himself as a major crowd favorite, consistently delivering exciting performances and generating strong merchandise sales. Despite his popularity, several key titles had eluded him—until now. His recent win of the US Championship signals a vital progression on his journey to the Grand Slam.
Zayn’s resilience was on full display in previous matches, such as his bout against John Cena where he competed with a dislocated shoulder. His dedication is apparent, and the booking decisions suggest WWE may be laying the groundwork for Zayn’s eventual rise to World Champion status.
Prominent backstage segments featuring Zayn expressing his ambition to become World Champion could be carefully placed narrative clues, possibly orchestrated by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque himself. Although currently on SmackDown, Zayn’s history of confrontations with Seth Rollins suggests he could pursue the World Heavyweight Championship, especially given WWE’s flexible brand-switching policies.
The History and Requirements of the WWE Grand Slam Title
The WWE Grand Slam Champion title is reserved for wrestlers who have captured a World Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, the United States Championship, and a Tag Team Championship. Interestingly, John Cena has yet to achieve this status, mainly because he has not held the Intercontinental Championship.
Many WWE legends have accomplished the Grand Slam, including Shawn Michaels, Kane, Chris Jericho, JBL, and Jeff Hardy. In recent years, notable stars such as The Miz, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, and AJ Styles have joined this elite group.
Below is a list of five notable WWE Grand Slam Champions, as compiled from The Sportster, ESPN, and The SmackDown Hotel:
- Shawn Michaels: One of WWE’s most iconic performers, Michaels achieved all necessary titles throughout his legendary career.
- Kane: The Big Red Machine secured each championship category, cementing his place among WWE elites.
- Chris Jericho: Known for his versatility and charisma, Jericho has completed the Grand Slam across multiple eras.
- The Miz: A modern-era superstar, The Miz has consistently held titles across WWE divisions.
- Roman Reigns: The current face of WWE, Reigns’ achievements include all required championships, solidifying his dominance.
The Significance of Sami Zayn’s Championship Victory and What Lies Ahead
Sami Zayn’s United States Title win represents more than just an addition to his accolades—it could be a harbinger of his eventual World Championship reign. This moment could rewrite the narrative surrounding the WWE Grand Slam, with Zayn potentially becoming one of the few to reach the pinnacle while John Cena remains on the sidelines of that particular achievement.
As WWE continues shifting storylines and brands to keep the product fresh, Zayn’s trajectory appears carefully designed to build toward greater accomplishments. Fans and analysts alike will be watching how his rivalry with Seth Rollins unfolds and if it leads to a future World Heavyweight Championship showdown.
This backstage and on-screen focus on Zayn also reflects WWE’s efforts to invest in rising stars, maintaining interest by creating fresh contenders for top titles. Sami Zayn’s progress serves as an example of this evolving landscape within WWE.
Monday Night RAW continues to stream on Netflix internationally, offering fans more opportunities to follow these evolving storylines and key championship moments.
