Sami Zayn stunned the wrestling world at Night of Champions on Saturday, defeating Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a chaotic Triple Threat match to capture the WWE Championship for the first time in his career.
The decisive moment came after Rhodes looked poised to retain his title. The champion connected with a Cross Rhodes on both opponents at the same time before attempting to put Zayn away with a second one. Instead, Zayn countered at the last possible second, catching Rhodes with a surprise roll-up to score the three-count and complete one of the biggest upsets of the year.
The championship clash was the culmination of weeks of bad blood between all three men. Rhodes had been embroiled in a heated rivalry with Gunther after their controversial title match at Clash in Italy, where Rhodes retained despite replays appearing to show Gunther's foot underneath the bottom rope during the deciding pinfall.
Seeking another opportunity, Gunther successfully lobbied for a rematch and was granted the right to choose the referee. He selected Zayn, but the decision quickly unraveled.
During the title match on SmackDown, Gunther repeatedly questioned Zayn's officiating, leading to growing tension between the two. When Rhodes attempted to pin Gunther with a sunset flip, Zayn kicked Gunther's hand off the ropes and delivered a quick three-count, allowing Rhodes to retain.
The controversial finish didn't stand for long. Gunther protested to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, while Rhodes himself called for the match to be restarted. Instead, Zayn attacked Gunther before laying out Rhodes with the WWE Championship belt, prompting Aldis to make the Triple Threat official for Night of Champions.
The victory ended Rhodes' third reign as WWE Champion and gave Zayn the first WWE Championship of his career. As the bell rang, the crowd in Saudi Arabia erupted while Zayn celebrated the defining moment of his WWE journey.
"A lot has been said about me. Some good and lately some bad. A lot of folks said I would never win the WWE Championship but I stand here tonight in front of my people," said Zayn following the match. "Im not usually at a loss for words [...] You're damn right I deserve it. Twenty-four years in the game at the highest level never got the recognition. Ten-plus years chasing this championship, never got the recognition.”
He added, “I don't care what happens to me tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Forever, I will be Sami Zayn, WWE Champion."
