Newly crowned WWE United States Champion Sami Zayn has sparked excitement with a major tease ahead of Friday Night SmackDown’s upcoming episode in Chicago. Following an extensive European tour, WWE is returning to the United States for this highly anticipated broadcast, where Zayn is set to make an impact as he begins his championship reign.
The event will feature notable appearances, including the return of hometown hero CM Punk to SmackDown after an encounter with Becky Lynch on Monday Night RAW. Additionally, 17-time World Champion John Cena will be present following his impressive victory over Logan Paul at WWE Clash in Paris.
Sami Zayn, who recently captured the United States Championship from Solo Sikoa on SmackDown, hinted at a significant moment on his Instagram account. The 41-year-old used the platform to indicate he is ready to elevate his title reign this Friday.
“Let’s get to work,” Zayn wrote.
In another post, Zayn emphasized his determination to start his time as champion on a high note.
“Celebration photos! Let’s start this US Championship reign off on the right foot tonight,” Zayn noted in another update.
Experienced Wrestling Insider Predicts Sami Zayn’s Future in WWE
Vince Russo, a former WWE head writer, shared his perspective on Sami Zayn’s recent title win during an appearance on Behind The Turnbuckle Studios’ The Coach and Bro Show. Russo expressed no surprise at Zayn securing the United States Championship and suggested WWE is positioning him for a larger role.
Russo stated that Zayn is being groomed for the World Heavyweight Championship, though he also warned about potential resistance from casual fans if this plan unfolds.
“First of all, I saw it [Sami Zayn becoming the United States Champion] a mile away. Second, they’re grooming him to put the big title on him; that’s what they’re going to do, and there is no casual fan on this planet that is ever going to get along with that company if Sami Zayn is your World Heavyweight Champion, not one casual fan on this planet,” Russo said.
Sami Zayn’s Upcoming Challenges and Feuds on SmackDown
While Zayn has been pursuing opportunities at the World Heavyweight Championship, his focus recently shifted due to a new rivalry. On August 8 in Quebec, Canada, Nick Aldis introduced Zayn as Solo Sikoa’s mystery opponent on SmackDown, sparking tension with the faction known as MFT.
Given that Zayn claimed the United States Championship from Sikoa last week, it remains to be seen whether Sikoa and his allies will attempt to regain the title. This feud could be a key storyline on Friday night, adding further stakes to Zayn’s championship tenure.
The WWE SmackDown episode in Chicago promises to deliver critical developments for Sami Zayn, whose WWE SmackDown tease has heightened anticipation about how his new role will unfold against returning stars and formidable adversaries.
