WWE United States Champion Sami Zayn, known for his remarkable talent and popularity, continues to impress since breaking away from the Bloodline faction. Recently transitioning to SmackDown, Zayn stunned fans by defeating Solo Sikoa to claim the United States Championship, igniting speculation about who might end his reign.
As Sami Zayn’s US Championship tenure progresses, several wrestlers stand out as candidates either poised to challenge him decisively or less suited to do so. Below is an analysis of key contenders, highlighting both the strongest and weakest prospects to seize the title from Zayn.
Less Promising Candidate: Drew McIntyre’s Potential and Limitations
The Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre, remains a powerful presence in WWE, yet his trajectory suggests that pursuing the United States Championship may not be the ideal path forward. While a heated feud between McIntyre—nicknamed the Master Strategist—and Sami Zayn could captivate audiences on SmackDown, the former WWE Champion arguably requires a World title to solidify his legacy.
Granting McIntyre the US Championship might disrupt the momentum for both competitors, undermining Drew’s character development and diluting the significance of Zayn’s run. Therefore, McIntyre ranks among the least favorable choices to replace Sami Zayn as the champion at this time.
A Solid Challenger: Damian Priest’s Quest for Redemption
Damian Priest, after stepping away from the Judgment Day faction, has struggled to regain consistent momentum on the blue brand. His sporadic match appearances have stalled his career progress, placing him in need of significant victories to reestablish himself among the roster’s elite.
A rivalry between Priest and Sami Zayn would generate excitement, as both wrestlers seek top-tier positioning. Capturing the US Championship would offer Damian a vital boost, potentially restoring his standing and providing a platform for renewed success. Consequently, Priest is widely regarded as one of the strongest contenders to challenge Zayn’s US Championship reign.
Questionable Choice: Jacob Fatu’s Position in the Roster Hierarchy
Following his departure from the Bloodline alliance, Jacob Fatu has been on the hunt to reclaim momentum after an intense feud against Solo Sikoa. Despite this, his limited television exposure since then has curtailed opportunities for meaningful advancement.
While a championship win over Sami Zayn could prove impactful, repeating another brief tenure as United States Champion seems illogical given Fatu’s recent experience. Instead, focusing on climbing the ranks more organically and building fan support as a prominent babyface might serve him better before capturing major titles again.
Top Prospect: Carmelo Hayes as the Future of the US Championship
Carmelo Hayes, formerly WWE NXT Champion, has steadily gained traction since moving to the main roster. His alliance with The Miz has enhanced his profile, while mentorship has aided in refining his in-ring persona and character depth.
Hayes represents perhaps the best option to take the WWE United States Championship from Sami Zayn. Such a title win would elevate Hayes’ status significantly and help solidify his position as a leading star on SmackDown. His potential rise promises fresh storylines and invigorated competition for the championship in the coming weeks.
As Sami Zayn continues to hold the US Championship, the landscape remains dynamic, with promising talents eager to ascend. Whether WWE opts to build new rivalries or strengthen existing ones, the champion’s challengers highlight the depth and unpredictability of the brand’s singles division.
