Sami Zayn achieved a career milestone on Saturday, capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship in a surprising upset victory at the Night of Champions event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Canadian wrestler pinned Cody Rhodes, the defending champion, in a grueling triple-threat match that also featured Gunther.
The decisive moment came when Rhodes attempted his signature move, the Cross Rhodes, on Zayn. However, Zayn managed to slip out of the maneuver and quickly rolled up Rhodes for the three-count, a sequence that WWE broadcaster Michael Cole described as a "miracle."
Following the pinfall, the arena crowd erupted in celebration. Zayn, visibly emotional, received the championship belt and spoke about the significance of the win. "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," he stated. "But I stand here tonight in front of my people in Riyadh. … It is hard to believe."
Zayn declared, "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."
This victory marks Zayn's first WWE world championship and makes him a grand slam champion within the company. In the aftermath of the match, a furious Gunther was involved in a physical altercation with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis backstage.