Five potential directions for WWE Champion Sami Zayn en route to SummerSlam 2026

Sami Zayn did the impossible in WWE last week.

WWE Night of Champions 2026 Premium Live Event concluded last weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with one of the most shocking sights in wrestling history. The Underdog from the Underground, Sami Zayn, conquered the mountain top and won his first-ever World Championship in a triple-threat match.

However, the victory has painted a target on his back moving forward. So, here are five directions for Zayn as the WWE Champion on the road to their next PLE, i.e., SummerSlam 2026:

5. Drop the title to Cody Rhodes before SummerSlam

‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes took the pinfall from Zayn and lost his Undisputed WWE title in the triple threat match also involving Gunther at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.

However, it could have just been WWE giving the hometown favorite Zayn his moment of glory for a short while. This could see Zayn drop the title back to the American Nightmare just before the SummerSlam 2026 PLE.

Also Read: Potential spoiler on length of Sami Zayn’s historic WWE World title reign

4. Rejoin the Bloodline

Sami Zayn had an interesting history as part of the Bloodline a few years ago. With Jey Uso failing to follow through on Roman Reigns‘ orders to secure the King of the Ring crown that could have brought the Undisputed title into the family, The OTC could turn to the new WWE Champion, i.e., Sami Zayn.

This could see the former Ucey member join the Bloodline with both top champions as part of the same faction.

3. Shocking title change before SummerSlam 2026

A highly unpredictable booking could see the return of Brock Lesnar and challenge Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE title at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event in MSG.

This could see Zayn’s title reign end at the hands of The Beast, who could then go on to defend it against his heated rival, Oba Femi, at SummerSlam.

2. Oba Femi picks Sami

Oba Femi punched his ticket to a guaranteed World title match at SummerSlam after winning the 2026 King of the Ring tournament, defeating Jey Uso at Night of Champions.

The Ruler could pick the relatively smaller World Champion, Sami Zayn, as his opponent, in hopes of easily becoming the World Champion in his view, rather than challenging Roman Reigns and also having to deal with the Bloodline.

1. Rematch with Cody Rhodes

Former Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes is unlikely to rest after shockingly losing his Undisputed WWE title to Sami Zayn at Night of Champions.

A series of events and tensions could set the stage for their one-on-one collision at SummerSlam 2026 for the Undisputed title, with Rhodes likely coming out on top in the rematch and regaining the title.

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