Sami Zayn is set to defend his United States Championship in an Open Challenge on WWE SmackDown tonight, airing live from the Scope Arena in North Virginia. The much-anticipated challenge is creating buzz as an unlikely contender from outside WWE’s recent roster will step up to face him.
PWInsider has reported that Rey Fenix, formerly of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and a recent WWE signee, will be the challenger responding to Zayn’s Open Challenge during tonight’s event. This matchup marks Fenix’s major singles title opportunity on WWE’s blue brand.
Recent Title Defense and Ongoing Rivalries
Last Friday on SmackDown, Sami Zayn defended the United States Championship against John Cena, but the match ended inconclusively due to Brock Lesnar’s interference, which disrupted both competitors. Lesnar, known as The Beast Incarnate, is scheduled to appear again on tonight’s show and has a high-profile match set against Cena at Wrestlepalooza on September 20.
Controversy Surrounding Sami Zayn’s Booking by Triple H
Wrestling figure Vince Russo, a former WWE head writer, recently voiced criticism regarding how Triple H has booked Sami Zayn’s current run. Following Zayn’s recent title win over Solo Sikoa, Triple H shared a backstage photo with him, which Russo analyzed on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s BroDown show.
“No, because part of it, Mac, is.. The way he is gonna be remembered. His legacy, he wants to be remembered bigger than life. You think Triple H is an idiot? When he is immediately, on social media, pointing at ‘Sami Dwarf,’ with a heart condition and 10 years retired, and Triple H still towers over him? What’s the message there? What’s the message? ‘This is the WWE United States Champion, look how much bigger than him I am.’ That’s part of the problem,” said Russo.
Rey Fenix’s WWE Journey and Tag Team History
Before accepting this singles title challenge, Rey Fenix formed a notable tag team with Andrade ahead of SummerSlam 2025. Together, they competed in the WWE Tag Team Championship Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match at the PLE, though the Wyatt Sicks, consisting of Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis, retained their titles in that contest.
Significance and What to Expect Tonight
This bout between Sami Zayn and Rey Fenix represents a pivotal moment in WWE SmackDown’s United States Championship scene, bringing a fresh face from AEW’s talent pool into the spotlight. The match not only tests Zayn’s reign but may also influence future storylines involving the brand’s mid-card titles. With Brock Lesnar’s ongoing involvement in SmackDown events, tonight’s show promises a blend of high-stakes competition and dramatic developments ahead of Wrestlepalooza.
