Sami Zayn wins Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions 2026

Sami Zayn wins Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions 2026

In a result that stunned the wrestling world, Sami Zayn captured the Undisputed WWE Championship for the first time in his career on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The victory came during the main event of Night of Champions at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Zayn defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a triple threat match.

The match was characterized by high tension and several near-falls. Gunther initiated the action by attacking both opponents and later utilizing a power bomb. Throughout the bout, the two challengers frequently focused their efforts on removing Rhodes from the equation to isolate the champion. This allowed Rhodes moments to regroup and deploy his offense against both Zayn and Gunther.

The closing sequence saw a frenzy of moves as all three performers fought for the win. Rhodes appeared to have the match secured after executing a Cross Rhodes, but Zayn intervened by rolling up the champion. Zayn successfully pinned Rhodes to claim the title.

The victory flips the trajectory of the upcoming SummerSlam 2026 event. While Rhodes was widely expected to enter the August show as champion, Zayn will now headline the event. It is anticipated that Rhodes will seek another opportunity at the title.

King and Queen of the Ring Crowned

Night of Champions also served as the finale for the annual tournaments, awarding the winners a championship match at SummerSlam.

Oba Femi became the 25th King of the Ring by defeating Jey Uso. Femi dominated much of the contest, overcoming a series of superkicks and an Uso Splash. Femi secured the win following a Fall from Grace. Femi stated, It feels so good to go from the ruler to being the king.

Femi now holds a "golden ticket" for a world title match in August. While he has teased challenging Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship, some suggest he may target the newly crowned Zayn, who may be viewed as an easier opponent than the "Tribal Chief."

In the Queen of the Ring final, Iyo Sky defeated Liv Morgan. The match was preceded by an interaction where Danhausen cast a curse on Morgan after she accused him of stealing money from The Judgment Day. Despite nursing a knee injury that Morgan targeted throughout the match, Sky executed a Spanish fly and an Over the Moonsault to secure the pinfall. Following her victory, Sky announced she will challenge Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship at SummerSlam.

Other Results and Rivalries

The event featured several other title defenses and grudge matches:

• United States Championship: Trick Williams retained his title against newcomer Ricky Saints. The match included an appearance by Lil' Yachty, who was briefly ejected by the referee after Saints tricked the official into thinking Yachty had attacked him. Williams won via the Trick Shot.
• Women's United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton retained her title against Jade Cargill. The finish involved interference from B-Fab and Michin on Cargill's behalf, which was countered by Chelsea Green and Charlotte Flair. Flair struck Cargill with the title belt, allowing Stratton to win with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
• Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins defeated Bron Breakker in a brutal encounter involving chairs and kendo sticks. The match reached a peak when Rollins suplexed Breakker off the top of the cage through a table. Rollins ultimately won after an Avalanche Stomp.

The event, which streamed via ESPN and Netflix internationally, serves as the official kickoff for SummerSlam.