Sami Zayn has prolonged his remarkable 9-year unbeaten streak on WWE Raw, continuing to assert himself amid intense rivalries. On the August 11th episode of Raw in Quebec City, Zayn once again emerged undefeated in a high-stakes match, solidifying his legacy while stirring tensions within the roster.
During the August 4th Raw episode, Zayn was caught in a heated confrontation involving Sheamus and Rusev, which escalated into a scheduled one-on-one match against Rusev the following week. The match presented Zayn with the chance to secure a future World Championship opportunity, while Rusev sought to settle past scores.
Recent Showdown Against Rusev Highlights Ongoing Conflicts
The clash between Sami Zayn and Rusev during the second hour of Raw was marked by fierce competition and unresolved animosities. Their rivalry has a long history, with multiple singles contests where the Bulgarian Brute Rusev has yet to best Zayn in televised matches.
Zayn’s dominance in their one-on-one encounters dates back to November 7, 2016, with the most recent match before this one occurring on February 13, 2017. Despite Rusev’s determination to reverse this trend, the August 11th contest ended in controversy.
Solo Sikoa’s unexpected interference disrupted the fight, delivering a devastating move that resulted in Rusev being disqualified. This intervention handed Zayn the victory and allowed him to keep his long-standing winning streak alive, albeit through contentious means.
Following the match, a familiar scene unfolded as Sheamus and Rusev resumed their physical brawl, mirroring their clash from the previous week and amplifying the evening’s tension.
Karrion Kross Critiques Sami Zayn’s Career Trajectory Ahead of SummerSlam
In the buildup to his forthcoming SummerSlam 2025 match against Sami Zayn, Karrion Kross openly challenged Zayn’s achievements on the main roster. Kross questioned the authenticity of Zayn’s rise and accused him of relying heavily on alliances rather than merit.
“That’s right, he’s got to say that Kross told the truth, which everybody already knows anyway. I wouldn’t agree with you that his rise was organic, I mean, he was piggybacking off Roman Reigns to get to where he’s been and ever since he hasn’t been able to piggyback off Roman Reigns, he hasn’t found the same success he did. Let’s just tell the truth here, you’re being nice. You’re trying to be unbiased. Let’s tell the truth, he’s a manipulator and a liar.” —Karrion Kross
This critique adds another layer to the ongoing storyline dynamics, reflecting the intense competition and heated dialogue that characterizes current WWE programming.
Impact of Sami Zayn’s Streak on WWE’s Storylines and Future Prospects
Sami Zayn’s enduring success continues to influence WWE storylines, positioning him as a key figure in the pursuit of championship titles. His ability to maintain this extraordinary streak, despite interference and rivalries, keeps audiences invested in his matches and elevates the stakes of upcoming events.
As the rivalry with Rusev and Sheamus intensifies, and with challengers like Karrion Kross openly confronting his record, Zayn’s path forward is set to shape major WWE narratives leading into marquee shows like SummerSlam. The lasting significance of his streak lies not only in the victories but also in how it fuels ongoing conflict and storytelling within the promotion.
