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Sami Zayn said before entering a triple threat match for the WWE Undisputed Championship at Night of Champions on Saturday that he didn’t know how fans in Saudi Arabia would react if he won.
He got his answer sooner than he thought.
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Sami Zayn wins the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 27, 2026. (Rich Freeda/WWE)
Cody Rhodes, the defending champion, had both Zayn and Gunther set up for the Cross Rhodes towards the end of the match. He landed moves on Zayn but essentially threw Gunther out of the ring
Rhodes pulled Zayn into the center of the ring for another Cross Rhodes, but Zayn slipped out of it and rolled up the “American Nightmare” and got the three count for the incredible victory. The crowd in Riyadh went wild when Zayn surprised everyone.
WWE broadcaster Michael Cole described the pin as a “miracle”.
“A miracle in Riyadh,” Cole said.
Sami Zayn celebrates with fans after winning the WWE Undisputed Championship during Night of Champions at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 27, 2026. (Rich Freeda/WWE)
The pro wrestling community was ecstatic for the “Last Real Good Guy” in the sport.
Zayn was in tears as he received the belt from referee Dan Engler. It is the first WWE World Championship of any kind for Zayn. He also becomes the latest wrestler to be a grand slam champion in WWE.
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“A lot has been said about me — some good and lately, some bad. A lot of people said I would never win the WWE Championship,” he said afterward. “But I’m standing here tonight in front of my people in Riyadh. … It’s hard to believe. Oh my God. I’m not usually at a loss for words, but …”
Zayn was still trying to take in the moment as fans chanted, “You deserve it.”
Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn and Gunther face each other at Night of Champions at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 27, 2026. (Andrew Timms/WWE)
“You know what? You’re damn right, I deserve it. Twenty plus years in the game at the highest level – never got the recognition. Ten plus years chasing this championship – never got the recognition. I don’t care what happens to me tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Forever I will be, Sami Zayn, WWE Champion.”
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Meanwhile, Gunther was furious with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis in the back and the two had a physical altercation.
