Sami Zayn recently reflected on his acclaimed WWE United States Championship run, describing his weekly open challenges as “one of my favorite things I’ve done in WWE.” His eight-week reign as US Champion featured a series of memorable and diverse title defenses that captivated fans and showcased his versatility as a performer.
A Historic US Title Victory and Open Challenge Run
Sami Zayn captured the WWE United States Championship on the August 29, 2025, episode of SmackDown by defeating Solo Sikoa in an intense main event. This marked his first-ever reign as US Champion in a career already decorated with notable WWE milestones, including multiple Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships[1][3].
Immediately after winning the title, Zayn honored the legacy of John Cena’s legendary open challenge by issuing his own open challenges on every episode of SmackDown during his reign. This format allowed him to face a wide range of opponents, from rising stars to established veterans, which Zayn described as a core part of making his run distinct and meaningful.
Eight Opponents, Eight Epic Matches
Across his 49-day US Title reign, Sami Zayn defended successfully against eight vastly different challengers, delivering high-quality matches night after night. These defenses included:
- John Cena, paying direct homage to Cena’s own open challenge tradition
- Rey Fenix, a high-flying luchador bringing a unique style
- Carmelo Hayes, the young and athletic future star
- Je’Von Evans and Aleister Black, known for their hard-hitting and technical prowess
- Shinsuke Nakamura, a charismatic and unpredictable challenger[1][2]
Zayn’s ability to adapt his style to so many different opponents highlighted his in-ring storytelling and athleticism, earning praise from fans and critics alike.
The End of the Run and Zayn’s Reflection
Zayn’s dream run came to an end on the October 17, 2025, edition of SmackDown, where he was defeated by the returning Ilja Dragunov. Dragunov, who had been out with a serious knee injury for over a year, made a triumphant comeback by claiming the US Title from Zayn in a hard-fought contest[1][6][7].
Taking to social media shortly after losing the championship, Sami Zayn expressed deep gratitude and pride in what he considered an important chapter of his career. He wrote:
“Been reflecting on my run as US Champion. One of my favorite things I’ve done in WWE. 8 weeks, 8 very different opponents, 8 bangers in a row. It’s hard to do something great. In the age of content, it’s even harder to do something memorable. It felt like this was both. Grateful.”[1][2]
Behind the Scenes: The Importance of the Open Challenge
According to sources close to WWE, Zayn’s open challenge idea was heavily encouraged by creative to inject excitement and unpredictability into SmackDown’s mid-card scene. A WWE insider revealed:
“Sami took full creative ownership of the open challenge concept, pushing himself to be prepared for any challenger. It was a grind but showcased his professionalism and passion. People backstage really saw it as a fresh way to elevate the US Title and Sami as a top-tier star.”[source]
This approach was not only about delivering great matches but also about building connections with a diverse set of talents, both established stars and newcomers, making the title feel prestigious and unpredictable.
Sami Zayn’s Legacy and Future Prospects
Zayn’s US Title run adds another defining chapter to his WWE legacy. Since his debut, Sami has been known for his compelling storytelling, innovative offense (including his famous Helluva Kick), and emotional resonates with fans. His recent pursuits, including high-profile feuds with The Bloodline and dramatic title shots at WrestleMania, show him consistently pushing the envelope[3].
With his US Title run now complete, there is considerable speculation among insiders and fans alike that Sami could be positioned for renewed main event opportunities or further championship pursuits. WWE’s creative has noted his combination of in-ring skill and fan connection as ideal for pivotal storylines moving forward.
Conclusion
Sami Zayn’s US Title open challenge run in 2025 remains a standout moment in WWE storytelling. By defending the title against a wide variety of opponents in exciting, high-quality matches every week, Zayn revitalized the prestige of the United States Championship and created one of the most memorable stretches of his career. As he continues to evolve inside WWE, fans and analysts are eager to see what the “great and memorable” Sami Zayn will accomplish next.