Sami Zayn won his first WWE United States Championship by defeating Solo Sikoa during an episode of SmackDown in Lyon, France, showcasing Zayn’s resilience in the face of interference and paving the way for his ambition to become a Grand Slam Champion.
In an exciting SmackDown match, Sami Zayn faced Solo Sikoa, a key member of The Bloodline. Sikoa’s allies, known as the MFTs, attempted to interfere, but Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu intervened to neutralise them. Despite enduring a brutal assault from Sikoa, Zayn managed to deliver two Helluva Kicks to secure the pinfall victory. This win, celebrated in front of a lively crowd in Lyon, marked Zayn’s first reign as the United States Champion, per WWE.
HE DID IT!!! 👏@SamiZayn is the NEW United States Champion! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Z23Y9VPimB
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2025In a post-match video shared by WWE on social media, Sami Zayn expressed deep emotion about his achievement, stating, “This is validation and vindication.” He also set his sights on the World Heavyweight Championship, saying, “When I win that World Championship, I’ll be a Grand Slam Champion.” Zayn’s previous titles include the Intercontinental Championship, which he won in 2020 against Braun Strowman, and the Tag Team Championship, which he won with Kevin Owens against The Usos.
The NEW US Champ celebrates his massive win in France! 🇫🇷👏@SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/uhwykAJL3R
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2025The Lyon SmackDown episode attracted 11,000 fans, creating an electric atmosphere. Sami Zayn’s victory adds to his impressive career, which includes a main event appearance at WrestleMania 2023. His win over Solo Sikoa, a dominant figure in The Bloodline storyline, positions him as a top contender for WWE’s 2025 season. The match also highlighted Zayn’s resilience, as he overcame interference to claim the title.
The United States Championship means EVERYTHING to @SamiZayn 👏🏆 pic.twitter.com/h5UkP3kaJa
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2025Zayn’s championship victory enhances his reputation as a fan favourite. This win also reinforces the WWE SmackDown brand, which averaged 2.3 million viewers weekly in 2025. Furthermore, Zayn’s quest for the World Heavyweight Championship aligns with WWE’s emphasis on engaging storylines, paving the way for potential matchups with stars like Gunther and Damian Priest.
