SouthernWorldwide.com – Sami Zayn achieved a stunning victory at Night of Champions, securing the Undisputed WWE Championship in a surprising turn of events.
Before entering the triple-threat match in Saudi Arabia, Zayn expressed uncertainty about the fans’ reaction should he win the coveted title.
That reaction came sooner than anticipated, as the match reached its climax.
Defending champion Cody Rhodes had both Zayn and Gunther positioned for his signature move, the Cross Rhodes. He successfully executed it on Zayn, while Gunther was sent out of the ring.
Rhodes then moved Zayn to the center of the ring for another Cross Rhodes. However, Zayn managed to slip out of the hold and quickly rolled up Rhodes, securing the three-count for an astonishing win. The Riyadh crowd erupted as Zayn defied expectations.
WWE commentator Michael Cole famously described the decisive pinfall as a “miracle.”
“A miracle in Riyadh,” Cole exclaimed during the broadcast.
The professional wrestling community reacted with widespread elation for the wrestler often dubbed “The Last Real Good Guy.”
Visibly emotional, Zayn accepted the championship belt from referee Dan Engler. This marks Zayn’s first-ever WWE world championship of any kind.
With this victory, he also joins an elite group of wrestlers who have achieved Grand Slam Champion status in WWE.
“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,” Zayn stated in his post-match interview.
“But I stand here tonight in front of my people in Riyadh. … It is hard to believe. Oh my God. I’m not usually at a loss for words but …”
As Zayn struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the moment, the crowd chanted, “You deserve it.”
Responding to the fans’ support, Zayn declared, “You know what? 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.”
Meanwhile, a furious Gunther was seen having a physical altercation with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis backstage, indicating lingering tensions.
