Sami Zayn has garnered acclaim for his compelling performances during his US Title matches on WWE SmackDown, consistently delivering engaging bouts since winning the championship. His run as US Champion has captured the attention of fans and wrestling experts alike, highlighting his dedication to maintaining a high standard in every appearance.
Continuing the Tradition of US Title Open Challenges
Since capturing the US Title from Solo Sikoa on the August 29th episode of WWE SmackDown, Sami Zayn has defended the belt against a variety of challengers without hesitation. Inspired by John Cena’s renowned US Title Open Challenge from about a decade ago, Zayn sought permission from Cena to revive this tradition, which Cena graciously approved. Their encounter eventually took place, although it was interrupted when Brock Lesnar interfered, attacking both competitors and spoiling the match.
Throughout his reign, Zayn has squared off against up-and-coming stars such as Rey Fenix and Carmelo Hayes, both regarded as promising talents with the potential to become future singles champions. His willingness to face all challengers showcases his commitment to elevating the title and providing quality wrestling matches for the SmackDown audience.
Recent Highlights and Fans’ Response in Cincinnati
On a recent SmackDown show held in Cincinnati, Sami Zayn defended his US Title against Aleister Black in a well-received contest. The match reached an intense climax partly due to Damian Priest’s distraction, who has an ongoing rivalry with Black, influencing the outcome. This performance contributed to an electric atmosphere and added to Zayn’s reputation as a dependable and exciting champion.
Discussing the Cincinnati match on the Wrestling Observer’s Bryan & Vinny Show, Bryan Alvarez praised Zayn’s drive to have the best match on any show he participates in:
“The first half of this match, they’re into it, alright, but by the second half of this match, this place is going nuts.”
— Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Observer
Long-Standing Recognition from Wrestling Experts
Alvarez emphasized how Sami Zayn’s excellence traces back to the early days of his career as the masked wrestler El Generico, a persona that earned him a reputation for consistently delivering standout matches. Commenting on Zayn’s long tenure as a top performer, Alvarez remarked:
“This goes all the way back to when I went to BOLA in 2006 and my buddy, JAB, told me, ‘Wait till you see this guy, Generico, he has the best match on every show he’s on.’ And in pretty much all the way through his NXT run, I think every single solitary show I ever saw that Sami Zayn or Generico was on, it was the best match on the show. And dude, it’s 2025 and he has the best match on every show.”
— Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Observer
Former WWE wrestler Lance Storm also praised Zayn’s wrestling style, highlighting the way he lifts the performance of his opponents in the ring, which reinforces Zayn’s reputation for technical skill:
“Sami is an outstanding wrestler in the old traditional sense of he doesn’t just make himself look outstanding, he makes everyone else he’s in there look outstanding as well.”
— Lance Storm, Former WWE Superstar
What’s Next for Sami Zayn’s US Title Reign?
Sami Zayn’s ongoing US Title run, punctuated by his open challenge format, keeps fans eagerly tuning into SmackDown to see who will step forward next and whether Zayn’s impressive streak will continue. His matches have become a highlight of the show, underscoring his role as a driving force within WWE and helping to elevate the prestige of the United States Championship.
While the exact timing of a title loss remains uncertain, the consistent high-quality bouts Sami Zayn delivers hint that the US Title will remain in exciting hands for the foreseeable future, keeping momentum strong among WWE’s audience and contributing to the championship’s prominence.
