Sami Zayn is the new WWE United States Champion after defeating Solo Sikoa on Friday night's episode of WWE SmackDown.

He won the title for the first time in his career on August 29, 2025, in Lyon, France.

What happened?

Sami Zayn hit Solo Sikoa with two Helluva Kicks to secure the win.

Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso evened the odds when MFT tried to interfere.

Why it matters for Sami Zayn

This victory brings Sami Zayn one step closer to becoming a WWE grand slam champion.

He is now just a world title away from achieving this milestone.

Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn's former tag team partner, reacted to the win on social media.

What comes next?

Kevin Owens is currently recovering from a serious injury that required single-level neck fusion surgery in July 2025.

There is no timescale for his return, but it could be at least a year before he reunites with Sami Zayn.

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens have a long-standing friendship and a complex history in the wrestling world.

They first met as teenagers in Quebec, Canada, and performed on the indie circuit together.

Background on Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens were known as El Generico and Kevin Steen in Ring of Honor.

They were involved in several storylines, including a blood feud that followed Kevin Steen's betrayal at Final Battle in 2009.

Sami Zayn touched on their friendship during an appearance on the Whiskey Ginger podcast in May 2023.

He described their bond as a "war-buddy thing" that nobody else can understand.

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens eventually arrived on NXT and became main roster stars.

They mixed up tag team competition and heated feuds, with their most emotional moment coming at WrestleMania 39.

They defeated The Usos in the main event to become Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.

Kevin Owens praised Sami Zayn on social media, calling him "one of the best" and saying he's "Top 1, in my opinion."

He also joked about still hating Sami Zayn, but admitted that he's the best.

Sami Zayn's win is a significant victory for the Canadian, who only moved to SmackDown from RAW earlier this month.

LA Knight moved in the opposite direction as part of the trade.

Sami Zayn's future in the WWE looks bright, with the potential to become a grand slam champion.

He will continue to compete on SmackDown, with his sights set on the world title.