Sami Zayn recently shared candid reflections on his eight-week reign as WWE United States Champion, calling it “one of my favorite things I’ve done in WWE.” The Canadian superstar revived the tradition of the Open Challenge during his run and delivered a string of standout performances that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
A Triumph in Lyon: Beginning of the U.S. Title Run
Zayn captured the U.S. Championship by defeating Solo Sikoa on the August 29 episode of SmackDown in Lyon, France, marking his first time holding this prestigious title in WWE. The win came with an aura of excitement as Zayn reenergized the U.S. Title scene by adopting the Open Challenge format famously used by John Cena in years past[1][2][4].
His first title defense was memorable, facing John Cena himself on the following week’s SmackDown. The match ended in a no-contest due to an attack by Brock Lesnar, providing a chaotic launch to what would be an engaging series of title defenses[1][2].
Eight Weeks, Eight Bangers: Mastering the U.S. Title Open Challenge
Over the course of his reign, Sami Zayn delivered eight matches against a diverse roster of opponents, each offering a unique challenge and style. His notable defenses included victories over:
- Rey Fenix
- Carmelo Hayes
- Je’Von Evans
- Aleister Black
He also engaged in high-profile bouts that ended controversially, such as a no-contest against Shinsuke Nakamura following interference from Tama Tonga and Solo Sikoa’s MFT faction[1][2].
Zayn’s commitment to presenting each defense as a “masterclass” was evident in his social media reflections where he praised the quality and variety of competition he faced, describing the run as “8 very different opponents, 8 bangers in a row.” He acknowledged the difficulty of creating something memorable in today’s fast-paced content era, expressing gratitude for the impact his reign managed to achieve[1][2].
The End of the Reign: Passing the Torch to Ilja Dragunov
The reign concluded on the October 17 edition of SmackDown where Zayn was defeated by returning star Ilja Dragunov. The match itself was intense and featured the dramatic storytelling for which both men are known. Dragunov’s win not only crowned a new champion but continued the Open Challenge tradition with himself defending against Aleister Black the following week[1][2][6][7].
According to a WWE insider, “Sami brought a fresh energy to the U.S. Title that reignited fan interest around the belt. His series of defenses really elevated the title’s prestige and set a high bar for Ilja Dragunov to follow.”
What This Reign Means for Sami Zayn’s Career
While relatively brief, Sami’s U.S. Title reign brought him closer to completing WWE’s Grand Slam, with only a WWE World Championship reign remaining. Zayn’s run was distinguished by high-quality wrestling, engaging storytelling, and a respectful nod to the championship’s rich history.
WWE fans and analysts alike have widely regarded this period as a highlight in Zayn’s career—not just for the gold he held but for elevating the United States Championship itself.
Sami Zayn’s Legacy with the U.S. Title
Sami’s embrace of the Open Challenge tradition combined with his willingness to face a wide array of opponents helped refresh the U.S. Title’s significance on WWE television. His candid reflections and the praise from those backstage suggest that this chapter will be remembered as a defining and enjoyable moment in his journey.
With Dragunov now defending the title, the legacy of hard-fought, memorable matches appears to continue, thanks in part to Sami Zayn’s elevated approach during his memorable eight-week championship run.
Stay tuned for the latest WWE updates as this exciting chapter of the United States Championship continues to evolve following Sami Zayn’s impactful reign.