Internal concerns after Sami Zayn's WWE title win & reason behind ESPN's request to add additional matches to Night of Champions 2026
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
New report reveals ESPN’s influence on the NOC card.
WWE Night of Champions delivered one of the biggest surprises of 2026 when Sami Zayn captured the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, according to new backstage reports, the major title change was only part of a much bigger story unfolding behind the scenes.
As reported by WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, ESPN reportedly played a role in shaping the final Night of Champions card, while WWE’s decision to keep Sami Zayn’s championship victory under extreme secrecy left several internal departments scrambling after the event.
The report offers fresh insight into WWE’s growing partnership with ESPN and the lengths the company went to in protecting one of its biggest creative moments of the year.
ESPN wanted a bigger Night of Champions card
Since Triple H assumed creative control, WWE has expanded its relationships with several major partners. The company has strengthened its collaboration with AAA, completed its landmark move of Monday Night RAW to Netflix, and recently partnered with ESPN for Night of Champions in the United States.
The event aired with its opening hour broadcast live on ESPN before the full premium live event streamed exclusively through the ESPN App and ESPN+.
According to WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, ESPN felt the show could benefit from additional matches. The report states that network officials requested WWE add another one or two bouts to strengthen the premium portion of the broadcast that streamed exclusively on ESPN+.
The report further noted that WWE currently expects the format of offering the first hour free on ESPN before transitioning to the premium stream to remain in place through at least the fall of 2026.
Ultimately, WWE moved forward with a six-match card, but ESPN’s reported feedback highlights the growing influence broadcast partners now have in shaping premium live events.
Sami Zayn’s title win remained one of WWE’s best-kept secrets
While the event itself proved successful, the handling of Sami Zayn’s championship victory reportedly created uncertainty inside WWE.
According to WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, knowledge of Zayn’s planned title win was restricted to only those who “needed to know” before Night of Champions.
One employee reportedly admitted that such a high level of secrecy created concern internally. If WWE continues operating this way for major creative decisions, departments responsible for production, promotion, and marketing could find their jobs significantly more difficult.
The report added that, “as of July 1, WWE’s marketing department had still not received instructions to update promotional artwork for SummerSlam 2026 to reflect Sami Zayn’s new status as Undisputed WWE Champion.”
Current promotional material for SummerSlam continues to feature stars including Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Becky Lynch, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar, Oba Femi, Liv Morgan and Iyo Sky.
Despite the internal uncertainty, Night of Champions proved to be a major commercial success. According to WWE’s official press release, the premium live event generated 186.8 million social video views, with 74.2 million views directly tied to Sami Zayn’s championship victory.
The event also drew a sold-out crowd of more than 18,000 fans inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh while featuring a record number of commercial partners.
Following his shocking championship victory over Cody Rhodes and Gunther in the Triple Threat main event, Sami Zayn is now set to begin his reign with a title defense on the July 6 edition of WWE RAW, marking the next chapter in one of WWE’s biggest surprise stories of the year.
Why did ESPN want more matches at WWE Night of Champions?
According to WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, ESPN wanted another one or two matches added to strengthen the standalone premium portion of the broadcast on ESPN+.
Why was Sami Zayn’s WWE Championship win kept secret?
The report states that WWE limited knowledge of the title change to only those who “needed to know,” preserving the surprise but reportedly creating concern among some internal departments.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.
Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.