During Friday’s WWE SmackDown, United States Champion Sami Zayn issued an open challenge for his WWE SmackDown US Title, which was answered by NXT competitor Je’Von Evans. The match showcased a competitive bout, with Evans delivering a powerful OG cutter that nearly secured a victory. Ultimately, Zayn avoided a top-rope move and countered with his signature helluva kick, finishing the contest with a blue thunder bomb to retain the title.
Post-Match Respect and Unexpected Attack
Following the intense encounter, Zayn helped Evans to his feet and raised his hand in a show of mutual respect. However, while Evans was recuperating outside the ring, he was unexpectedly blindsided by Josh Briggs, Evans’ opponent at the upcoming NXT No Mercy Premium Live Event. This sudden attack added a new layer of tension heading into their match.
Background on Sami Zayn’s Open Challenge Reign
Since claiming the United States Championship last month, Sami Zayn has adopted an open challenge format reminiscent of John Cena’s previous reign. This approach invites any WWE competitor to step up for a title shot. Zayn began with a successful defense against Rey Fenix, followed by a match against Cena himself that ended without a winner due to interference from Brock Lesnar. On the previous week’s show, he also retained against Carmelo Hayes.
Implications Moving Forward
Sami Zayn’s open challenge continues to create unpredictable match-ups and heightened competition for the WWE SmackDown US Title. Je’Von Evans’ strong showing and subsequent attack by Josh Briggs hint at deeper rivalries in the NXT division entering the No Mercy event. Fans can expect these developments to influence upcoming storylines and title defenses on both SmackDown and NXT programming.
LET’S GO!!!JE’VON EVANS ANSWERS THE OPEN CHALLENGE!!! 🙌@WWEJeVonEvans pic.twitter.com/d33I1qFeeq
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
ARE YOU KIDDING, JE’VON?!?! 🤯@WWEJeVonEvans pic.twitter.com/PEzI24Vy4U
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
Nothing but respect between @SamiZayn and @WWEJeVonEvans! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nOHIeVQCS8
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
Oh c’mon! 😡Je’Von Evans was just blindsided by tomorrow’s No Mercy opponent, Josh Briggs! pic.twitter.com/tTuKSQXH96
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
LET'S GO!!!
JE'VON EVANS ANSWERS THE OPEN CHALLENGE!!! 🙌@WWEJeVonEvans pic.twitter.com/d33I1qFeeq
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
ARE YOU KIDDING, JE'VON?!?! 🤯@WWEJeVonEvans pic.twitter.com/PEzI24Vy4U
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
Nothing but respect between @SamiZayn and @WWEJeVonEvans! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nOHIeVQCS8
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
Oh c'mon! 😡
Je'Von Evans was just blindsided by tomorrow's No Mercy opponent, Josh Briggs! pic.twitter.com/tTuKSQXH96
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
