WWE Superstar Sami Zayn recently shared his thoughts on social media about his most memorable matches of 2025, mentioning CM Punk WWE highlights as part of his reflections. Ahead of the next Friday Night SmackDown, Zayn talked about his experiences facing top talent like John Cena, CM Punk, and Randy Orton, emphasizing how much he valued those encounters held during challenging periods of his career.
Despite 2025 not ranking among Zayn’s best for overall booking, he still stood out as United States Champion by regularly putting his title up for grabs each week on SmackDown. This consistent action gave him the chance to wrestle prominent opponents, with highlights including a special bout against John Cena. Sami Zayn revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he enjoyed wrestling WWE TV matches in 2025 more than any other time in his career, listing favorites that also included Drew McIntyre, Finn Balor, and Seth Rollins.
“This year, perhaps more than any other, I really enjoyed wrestling TV matches. Here are some of my favorites from 2025,” he wrote.
Honoring John Cena and Continuing the Open Challenge Tradition
Following a high-profile match with John Cena for the United States Championship on SmackDown, Zayn paid tribute to the wrestling icon via Instagram. He referred to the opportunity as a significant moment, especially considering Cena’s ongoing retirement tour. This bout held deeper meaning for Zayn, who credited Cena’s US Title Open Challenge from a decade ago as the starting point of his own journey in WWE.
“It was an honor and a privilege to be John Cena’s final opponent on Smackdown. I’ll remember this match forever. I am eternally grateful to John Cena. He showed, just as he has all year, that he still has so much left in the tank. This farewell tour is not just a nostalgia act, he is the GOAT, he is the man NOW, and he’s operating at as high a level as he ever has. 10 years ago, The John Cena US Title Open Challenge was the doorway for me to make my debut. Tonight I hope to carry that legacy with a US Title Open Challenge of my own,” he wrote.
Sami Zayn followed through on this promise, defending the United States Championship in open challenge matches week after week, creating a series of standout encounters. Ultimately, Zayn’s impressive run came to an end when Ilja Dragunov returned and captured the title, but not before Zayn had established his own unique chapter in the championship’s legacy.
What Lies Ahead for Sami Zayn on SmackDown?
With the creative direction under Triple H, attention now turns to what could be next for Zayn on Friday Night SmackDown. His tenure as United States Champion, marked by open challenges and matches with major WWE figures such as CM Punk, John Cena, Randy Orton, and Seth Rollins, has left fans eager to see how his story will evolve moving forward.
Sami Zayn’s reflection on his career during 2025—filled with CM Punk WWE highlights, memorable opponents, and heartfelt tributes—continues to excite viewers, reinforcing his place among WWE’s most passionate and dedicated competitors.
