Sami Zayn Wins WWE Championship in Major Upset at Night of Champions
At WWE's Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sami Zayn defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a triple threat match to win his first WWE Championship, a major upset that reshapes the main event scene. The win, originally planned for WrestleMania 43, revitalizes storylines and opens new feuds. Following the event, SmackDown in Atlantic City features a #1 Contender match between Rhodes and Jey Uso, with the winner facing Zayn on RAW.
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CM Punk Becomes WWE Champion, Moves to SmackDown
CM Punk won the WWE Championship from Sami Zayn on 'RAW' in Chicago, just nine days after Zayn had surprisingly captured the title at 'Night of Champions.' Punk's victory moves him to the 'SmackDown' brand, setting up potential challengers. Sami Zayn is expected to demand a rematch, while Cody Rhodes also holds a right to a title match after being attacked by Gunther before his scheduled bout with Zayn. The article promotes the latest episode of 'SmackDown' from Oklahoma City, available for replay on BILD, and hints at a possible #1 contender match to determine Punk's first opponent.
BILD - SportCM Punk Era Begins: New WWE Champion Moves to SmackDown
CM Punk became the new WWE Champion on the 'RAW' show, defeating Sami Zayn just nine days after Zayn had surprisingly won the title at 'Night of Champions'. Punk's victory occurred during his comeback in Chicago, and he now moves to the blue brand, SmackDown. Sami Zayn is expected to demand a rematch, but Cody Rhodes also holds a right to a title match after being attacked by Gunther before his scheduled bout with Zayn. The article promotes the latest episode of SmackDown from Oklahoma City, available for replay on BILD, and hints at a potential number one contender match to determine Punk's first challenger.
BILD - SportWWE SmackDown Live Preview: CM Punk's First Title Defense After Championship Win
The article from BILD Sport previews the upcoming live episode of WWE SmackDown, scheduled for early Saturday at 2 a.m. from Oklahoma City. It follows major title chaos after CM Punk won the WWE Championship from Sami Zayn on RAW in Chicago, just nine days after Zayn had surprisingly won the title at Night of Champions. The episode is expected to address who will be CM Punk's first challenger. Sami Zayn is demanding a rematch, while Cody Rhodes also holds a right to a title match after being attacked by Gunther before his scheduled match against Zayn. The article suggests a possible #1 contender match may be announced. The show is available exclusively live on BILD.
BILD - SportWWE SmackDown Live: CM Punk's First Title Defense After Championship Chaos
The article reports on the aftermath of major WWE title changes. At Night of Champions, Sami Zayn unexpectedly became WWE Champion but lost the title just nine days later to CM Punk, who made his comeback on RAW in Chicago. Sami Zayn is demanding a rematch. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes was scheduled to face Sami Zayn on RAW but was attacked by Gunther, so Rhodes also retains his right to a title match. The article promotes the upcoming live episode of SmackDown from Oklahoma City, airing at 2 AM on Saturday night on BILD, where a potential #1 Contender match may determine who faces CM Punk first.
BILD - SportSmackDown July 4: Cody Rhodes vs Jey Uso for #1 Contender Spot
The July 4 episode of WWE SmackDown from Atlantic City features a main event where Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso face off to determine the new #1 contender for the WWE Championship, currently held by Sami Zayn. The card also includes several other matches: Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab vs. Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green; Rey Fenix vs. El Hijo del Vikingo; Brie Bella vs. Lainey Reid; B-Fab & Michin vs. Alexa Bliss & Tiffany Stratton; an AAA Cruiserweight Championship match between Rey Fenix and Nathan Frazer (with Axiom); Paige vs. Jacy Jayne; Danhausen & Matt Cardona vs. Los Garza; Chelsea Green vs. Jade Cargill; and Giulia vs. Kiana James. The show is available exclusively on BILD.
BILD - SportOpponent for WWE Champion Sought on SmackDown; Watch New Episode
Since last weekend, major title chaos has reigned in WWE following Sami Zayn's surprising championship win at Night of Champions. The new episode of SmackDown from Atlantic City airs on BILD, featuring a crucial #1 Contender's Match between Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. The winner will challenge Sami Zayn for the WWE Title on Monday's RAW, meaning Zayn's reign could end quickly. Additional matches announced include a six-woman tag team match (Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab vs. Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green), an AAA World Cruiserweight Championship match (Rey Fenix vs. El Hijo del Vikingo), and a singles match between Brie Bella and Lainey Reid. The episode is available on replay exclusively via BILD.
BILD - SportWWE SmackDown: #1 Contender Match Set for Sami Zayn's Title at Night of Champions
Since last weekend, major title chaos has erupted in WWE following Sami Zayn's unexpected victory at 'Night of Champions,' where he became the new WWE Champion. The championship could change hands quickly, as tonight's episode of 'SmackDown' from Atlantic City features a high-stakes #1 Contender Match between Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. The winner will immediately challenge Zayn for the WWE Title on Monday at 'RAW.' Additionally, the episode includes a women's six-woman tag team match pitting Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab against Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton, and Chelsea Green; an AAA World Cruiserweight Championship match between Rey Fenix and El Hijo del Vikingo; and a singles match between Brie Bella and Lainey Reid. The show is available on replay exclusively at BILD.
BILD - SportSmackDown from July 4: Who Will Be the New #1 Contender?
The July 4, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown from Atlantic City features a main event where Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso face off to determine the new #1 contender for the WWE Championship, currently held by Sami Zayn. The episode also includes several other matches: Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab vs. Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green; Rey Fenix vs. El Hijo del Vikingo; Brie Bella vs. Lainey Reid; B-Fab & Michin vs. Alexa Bliss & Tiffany Stratton; an AAA Cruiserweight Championship match between Rey Fenix and Nathan Frazer; Paige vs. Jacy Jayne; Danhausen & Matt Cardona vs. Los Garza; Chelsea Green vs. Jade Cargill; and Giulia vs. Kiana James. The event is covered exclusively by BILD, with source material from WWE.
BILD - SportWWE SmackDown: Title Contender Match and Championship Update
This article reports on the latest WWE developments following 'Night of Champions,' where Sami Zayn unexpectedly became the new WWE Champion. The episode of 'SmackDown' from Atlantic City features a key #1 Contender Match between Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso, with the winner earning a title shot against Sami Zayn on the upcoming 'RAW' show, suggesting Zayn's reign could be short-lived. Additional announced matches include a six-woman tag team match featuring Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab versus Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green; an AAA World Cruiserweight Championship Match between Rey Fenix and El Hijo del Vikingo; and a singles match between Brie Bella and Lainey Reid. The event airs exclusively on BILD starting at 2 AM.
BILD - SportSami Zayn’s Shock WWE Title Win Revives Stale Main Event Scene
At WWE Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sami Zayn defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther to win his first WWE Championship on his tenth attempt, a major upset that reshapes WWE's main event landscape. Originally planned for WrestleMania 43, Zayn's title win was moved up due to his compelling heel-face character work. The victory opens up non-title feuds for CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, who were becoming stale in the title picture. It also impacts the upcoming King of the Tournament winner Oba Femi's guaranteed SummerSlam title match. Possible SummerSlam scenarios include Femi challenging Zayn, a Zayn title loss to Brock Lesnar setting up Lesnar vs. Femi III, or Femi vs. Roman Reigns. The article highlights how this booking pivot revitalizes WWE's main event scene.
Forbes - BusinessSami Zayn Wins WWE Championship in Major Upset at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia
In a stunning upset at WWE's 'Night of Champions' event in Saudi Arabia, Sami Zayn (41) defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a triple threat match to become the new WWE Champion, marking the biggest surprise of the year. The Canadian wrestler of Syrian descent secured the victory by rolling up Rhodes for the three count, sparking wild reactions from the audience. According to BILD, WWE had planned a title change for Zayn at a Saudi event for some time, but most expected it at WrestleMania 43. Zayn earned his title shot after controversially serving as special guest referee in a match between Rhodes and Gunther, attacking Gunther. The article speculates on potential challengers for Zayn's championship at SummerSlam in five weeks, including Cody Rhodes or King of the Ring winner Oba Femi, who must choose between challenging World Champion Roman Reigns or WWE Champion Sami Zayn.
BILD - Sport