Sami Zayn's US Title open challenge: List of all defenses on WWE SmackDown

Sami Zayn had an incredible run as the WWE US Champion

Sami Zayn’s 49-day United States Championship reign may have been short, but it was one of the most impactful in recent memory.

The Great Liberator proved himself every Friday night on SmackDown, embodying the spirit of a true fighting champion. His open challenge series not only revived the prestige of the title but reminded fans why he’s one of WWE’s most respected workhorses.

Zayn captured the United States Championship from Solo Sikoa on August 29 and immediately announced he would defend it weekly under an “Open Challenge” format.

The decision brought back memories of John Cena’s famous 2015 WWE U.S. Title run, where the Cenation Leader faced new challengers every week and raised the belt’s stature. For seven consecutive weeks, Zayn kept his word, delivering must-watch television and critically acclaimed matches.

Every defense in Sami Zayn’s U.S. championship open challenge

Over his 49-day reign, Sami Zayn defended the United States Championship against some of WWE and wrestling’s top names.

The streak began with a classic showdown against John Cena at the Allstate Arena in Chicago. That match ended in chaos as Brock Lesnar interfered, allowing Zayn to retain via disqualification. What followed was a series of pure wrestling clinics.

List of all defenses

• vs John Cena
• vs Rey Fenix
• vs Carmelo Hayes
• vs Je’Von Evans
• vs Aleister Black
• vs Shinsuke Nakamura
• vs Ilja Dragunov

Each match added to the legacy of Zayn’s reign. Whether it was facing the high-flying Rey Fenix, the HIM Carmelo Hayes, or the merciless Aleister Black, Zayn delivered consistency and storytelling every week. His final defense against Ilja Dragunov was a brutal masterpiece that ended with Dragunov dethroning Zayn, marking one of the most emotional title changes of the year.

Zayn’s 49-day U.S. Title run might go down as the best since Cena’s legendary reign a decade ago. It wasn’t about length, it was about quality.

Fans praised his work ethic and versatility, while industry veterans like Hurricane Helms credited Zayn for restoring the title’s prestige. Even after losing to Dragunov, Zayn left a lasting impression as a champion who elevated every opponent and reminded fans that heart and grit still matter in WWE.

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