Sami Zayn became WWE Champion on the night of the 2026 Night Of Champions PLE, pinning Cody Rhodes after a hard‑fought bout. The victory puts Zayn at the pinnacle of SmackDown, and fans are already debating which challengers will test his new reign.
Who could give Sami Zayn the toughest fight?
Cody Rhodes remains the most immediate threat. Zayn pinned Rhodes to win the title, and their friendship‑turned‑rivalry has simmered all year. Rhodes’ recent promos about Zayn never winning a world title add personal stakes, making a SummerSlam showdown feel inevitable. A rematch could see Rhodes seeking redemption while Zayn tries to prove the win wasn’t a fluke.
Why Finn Balor makes sense as a fresh challenger
Balor’s recent move to SmackDown has left him searching for a defining moment. Despite a one‑day reign as world champion early in his career, he has never contested the WWE Championship on the main roster. Pairing two NXT alumni—Balor and Zayn—creates a nostalgic clash that could elevate Balor’s current storyline and give Zayn a credible, technically skilled opponent.
Could CM Punk reignite a rivalry with Sami Zayn?
Punk’s rumored SmackDown return adds intrigue. The two shared a praised TV match on RAW in 2025, displaying natural chemistry, yet they never engaged in a full‑blown feud. If Punk targets Zayn’s title, their contrasting styles—Punk’s rebellious edge versus Zayn’s underdog grit—could produce a feud‑of‑the‑year candidate, especially if booked with high‑stakes promos.
What about Ilja Dragunov as a dark‑horse contender?
Dragunov’s hard‑hitting style and rising popularity make him a logical, if unexpected, challenger. A clash would pit Zayn’s resilience against Dragunov’s brutal intensity, offering a fresh narrative for SmackDown’s mid‑card. While the source cuts off before detailing Dragunov, his inclusion signals a desire for diverse matchups that test Zayn’s adaptability.
How will these feuds shape Zayn’s title run?
Each potential rivalry brings a different flavor: Rhodes offers personal drama, Balor adds nostalgic NXT pride, Punk supplies mainstream buzz, and Dragunov provides raw physicality. Together they outline a roadmap for Zayn’s reign that could keep viewers invested week after week, ensuring his championship stays relevant beyond a single storyline.
What’s next for Sami Zayn after Night Of Champions?
The immediate focus will be on building tension with Rhodes ahead of SummerSlam 2026. Simultaneously, SmackDown’s creative team can weave in Balor’s quest for a world title and monitor Punk’s return for a surprise attack. Dragunov may emerge later as a surprise challenger, keeping Zayn on his toes. The next few months will determine whether Zayn’s reign becomes a long‑term era or a brief flash.
Why fans should care about these matchups
Every proposed feud ties directly to Zayn’s recent championship win, offering clear stakes and character development. Whether it’s a redemption arc for Rhodes or a career‑defining moment for Balor, each storyline promises high‑octane action that could define SmackDown’s landscape through the rest of 2026.