WWE draws strong criticism for Sami Zayn championship win in Saudi Arabia
WWE fans were stunned by the outcome in the 2026 Night of Champions main event, as Sami Zayn won the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Triple Threat match against defending champion Cody Rhodes and Gunther.
It marked the first time in Zayn’s career that he captured one of the top championships within the company, and he did it in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which is set to host future WWE events, including WrestleMania in 2027.
The finish featured Rhodes looking as if he would retain his championship after delivering a double Cross Rhodes on Zayn and Gunther. The latter rolled out of the ring to recover, and Rhodes set up for a second finisher on Zayn.
However, Zayn wisely countered the move into a pinfall, with the referee making the three count in his favor, which sent the fans in the Riyadh crowd into a frenzy.
The moment was exciting for fans there as they saw a new major champion crowned to end the massive event. Back in the states, many fans watched during the afternoon hours on the ESPN app, and there were plenty who were frustrated over the result.
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“Unfollowed WWE Unsubscribed to Netflix Triple H with the worst decision of all time,” one fan wrote in the comments on WWE’s video clip of Zayn’s championship win.
Another shared the harsh comment: “You can rest now David Arquette you’re no longer the worst world champion in Wrestling history.”
“This Sami zayn push needs to be studied Weirdest crap I’ve seen in a minute,” someone wrote in the X comments.
Others said: “this is bs WE don’t want him as champion” and “All Because dude is loved in Saudi Arabia.”
Several called out that Zayn won a championship before LA Knight, a superstar that many fans supported and who really gained momentum upon resuming that particular character in WWE.
And others suggested that this will allow Oba Femi to defeat Zayn for the championship at some point. Femi was the King of the Ring tournament winner at Saturday’s event, defeating Jey Uso in a match.
This could also be a setup for whoever wins the upcoming WWE Money in the Bank briefcase at October’s event, as that individual gets to cash in on the champion at any time, any place for a match.
Nonetheless, the WWE pulled off a major surprise in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and one that many fans there enjoyed as well as some watching elsewhere. Now it will be interesting where this Zayn championship run goes and how long it lasts.
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