Sami Zayn continued his vigorous defense of the Sami Zayn United States Championship during the latest WWE SmackDown event, showcasing his determination to retain the title amid intense competition. The championship bout took place on September 20, with former WWE NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes stepping up to challenge Zayn in a fast-paced and closely contested encounter.
High-Stakes Title Match Between Sami Zayn and Carmelo Hayes
For two consecutive weeks, Sami Zayn has publicly issued open challenges for his United States Championship on SmackDown. After a non-finish against John Cena on September 6 — interrupted by Brock Lesnar’s unexpected interference — and a successful defense against Rey Fenix on September 12, Zayn faced Carmelo Hayes in a highly anticipated confrontation this Friday.
The match unfolded with rapid exchanges and multiple reversals. Hayes began aggressively, executing a leapfrog followed by a dropkick and targeting Zayn’s neck. Zayn countered effectively with a body slam and an armdrag, maintaining momentum through powerful strikes. Both competitors came close to victory several times, trading signature moves such as Zayn’s Tornado DDT and Michinoku Driver, while Hayes responded with precise knee strikes and a Frog Splash.
Ultimately, Zayn secured the win by countering Hayes’ offense and landing his finishing move, the Blue Thunder Bomb. This victory marked another successful defense, reinforcing Zayn’s position as a resilient champion within the WWE roster.
Ongoing Challenges and What Lies Ahead for the Champion
Following this hard-fought defense, questions remain about how long Sami Zayn can uphold his winning streak and keep the United States Championship under his control. The competitive landscape on SmackDown is filled with rising contenders, each eager to claim the title. Fans watch anxiously to see who will next rise to challenge Zayn’s reign and potentially dethrone him in future events.
Additional Wrestling News Highlights
Beyond SmackDown, Tony Khan has officially revealed the opening match for AEW All Out 2025, building anticipation for the event. Meanwhile, the last AEW star qualifying for an All Out title match was confirmed on Dynamite, with expectations high for the upcoming show. An injured AEW performer remains determined to compete despite recent setbacks just days before All Out.
In contract negotiations, CM Punk surprised many by successfully securing a significant demand from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, defying initial expectations. Separately, Cody Rhodes reflected on lessons learned from Roman Reigns after defeating him at WrestleMania 40, capturing his first WWE world title.
Roman Reigns has also been named as the preferred opponent should a WWE Hall of Famer decide to return to the ring for an additional match. A major WWE star is expected to return to action very soon, adding to the evolving wrestling landscape. Meanwhile, a WWE Hall of Famer recently admitted to ignoring outreach attempts from the company since retirement, highlighting ongoing complexities behind the scenes.
.@Carmelo_WWE was just one step ahead of @SamiZayn! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xgjLYPrAU6
— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
