Before stepping into the ring for the Undisputed WWE Championship triple-threat match at Night of Champions on Saturday, Sami Zayn had expressed uncertainty about how the audience in Saudi Arabia would react to a potential victory. He soon received a definitive answer as the event concluded.
Dramatic Victory Unfolds
The championship encounter saw defending titleholder Cody Rhodes facing both Zayn and Gunther. In the closing moments of the intense contest, Rhodes executed his signature Cross Rhodes maneuver on Zayn, while simultaneously dispatching Gunther from the ring.
As Rhodes prepared to deliver a second Cross Rhodes to Zayn in the center of the ring, Zayn skillfully countered the move. He swiftly rolled up the "American Nightmare," securing a three-count pinfall that sent shockwaves through the arena. The Riyadh crowd erupted in a thunderous ovation as Zayn unexpectedly claimed the title.
WWE commentator Michael Cole encapsulated the moment, describing the surprising pinfall as "a miracle." He declared, "A miracle in Riyadh," reflecting the widespread astonishment and elation within the professional wrestling community for "The Last Real Good Guy."
An Emotional Milestone
Overcome with emotion, Zayn was visibly tearful as referee Dan Engler presented him with the championship belt. This momentous win marks Zayn's inaugural WWE world championship, a significant career milestone. Furthermore, he now joins an elite group of athletes as a WWE Grand Slam Champion.
Reflecting on his journey after the match, Zayn acknowledged the varying opinions throughout his career. "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. Standing before the appreciative crowd in Riyadh, he continued, "It is hard to believe. Oh my God. I’m not usually at a loss for words but …"
As Zayn processed the gravity of his achievement, fans passionately chanted, "You deserve it." Embracing the sentiment, he responded with conviction: "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, backstage, Gunther, clearly incensed by the outcome, was observed in a physical confrontation with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
