On a thrilling night in Lyon, Sami Zayn stunned WWE fans by winning the United States Championship on SmackDown. Having recently shifted from Monday Night RAW to SmackDown, Zayn made an immediate impact by challenging solo Sikoa for the title in a match filled with intense rivalries and dramatic interference.
The 41-year-old Canadian returned with clear intentions, confronting Sikoa and setting his sights on the United States Championship. The bout unfolded with interference from JC Mateo and Tonga Loa, who took advantage of the referee’s distraction to attack Zayn, while Jimmy Uso showed up at ringside to even the odds, only to be overpowered by Sikoa’s Metal Fatigue Throws (MFTs).
Allied Forces Shift the Battle Inside and Outside the Ring
As the match intensified, Jacob Fatu made a surprise appearance to confront Sikoa’s companions. Known as the Samoan Werewolf, Fatu targeted Talla Tonga and teamed up with Jimmy Uso to oust Mateo and Loa from ringside. This left Solo Sikoa isolated inside the ring, facing Sami Zayn alone as the fight spilled outside.
Despite losing his backup, Sikoa maintained control for much of the match and nearly finished Zayn multiple times. However, Zayn’s resilience and fighting spirit prevailed as he dodged Sikoa’s signature Samoan Spike and delivered his decisive Helluva Kick.
Sami Zayn’s Victory Highlights a Milestone in His Career
After avoiding a final assault, Sami Zayn struck Solo Sikoa with two Helluva Kicks in succession, earning the pinfall and capturing the United States Championship for the first time in his career. This victory ended Sikoa’s 62-day reign as champion, marking a significant achievement for Zayn during his 12 years in WWE.
🚨 AND NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION ‼️SAMI ZAYN SEALS THE DEAL WITH TWO HELLUVA KICKSAND THE CROWD GOES BONKERS 🔥🔥🔥#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/ksCfoodLu0— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx)
The crowd in Lyon erupted as the Canadian star celebrated his hard-fought win, emphasizing the unpredictability and excitement that Sami Zayn United States Championship matches can bring to WWE programming.
An Injury Alters Planned Title Match on SmackDown
In addition to Zayn’s championship win, another title bout scheduled for SmackDown was called off due to an injury sustained by a prominent superstar during the event. This development left WWE fans eager to learn more about the future of upcoming matches and storylines.
Additional Wrestling Updates from WWE and AEW
Meanwhile, several other developments caught fans’ attention. Shinsuke Nakamura is set to return to WWE screens after disappearing from television, while AEW’s Darby Allin has issued a chilling challenge to a rival, written in his own blood. WWE’s Becky Lynch shared an awkward pre-fame encounter with actor Chris Hemsworth, captivating both wrestling and Hollywood audiences.
AEW also saw the return of one of its championship wrestlers to Dynamite, featuring new theme music, while in wrestling circles, Brooke Hogan revealed truths about her father Hulk Hogan’s passing, dispelling earlier concerns of foul play. Sheamus opened up about his fear of career-ending injury after a serious neck incident, and Diamond Dallas Page is currently recovering after being hospitalized.
Looking Ahead: WWE Clash in Paris and John Cena’s Prospects
As WWE prepares for the upcoming Clash in Paris event, speculation is mounting around John Cena’s chances of victory. Many view Cena as a favorite due to the opponents he might face, adding further intrigue to the WWE calendar. Sami Zayn’s recent triumph adds another layer of excitement as fans anticipate how his reign as United States Champion will unfold in future SmackDown episodes.
