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Sami Zayn Retains United States Championship Against Ex-WWE Champion on SmackDown

By Monika Thapa • Published Sep 19, 2025 22:32 EDT
Sami Zayn US Champion WWE

For the past two weeks, Sami Zayn has been laying out open challenges for his United States Championship on the blue brand.

On the September 6 edition of Friday SmackDown, he faced John Cena, and the match ended in a non-contest, courtesy of The Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar. Then, on September 12, Zayn successfully defended his title against Rey Fenix.

Sami Zayn Retains the United States Championship on WWE SmackDown

Tonight on SmackDown, former WWE NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes answered the US Open challenge and faced the champion in a thrilling bout. The match featured fast-paced action and plenty of counters. Melo started strong with a leapfrog and dropkick, then targeted Zayn’s neck.

The champion fought back with a body slam and an armdrag, while Melo kept up the pressure. Both traded big strikes and near falls, including Zayn’s Tornado DDT and Michinoku Driver. The challenger landed impressive knee strikes and a Frog Splash, but Zayn blocked and responded with the Blue Thunder Bomb for the win.

One more victory for the champ. Will he maintain his winning streak in the upcoming weeks, or will someone finally dethrone him? Only time will tell.