WWE Night of Champions 2026 Results: Sami Zayn pins Cody Rhodes, captures World title for first time in Riyadh
(Courtesy : WWE)
Sami Zayn completes a decade-long journey by pinning Cody Rhodes.
Sami Zayn finally reached the mountaintop at WWE Night of Champions 2026, defeating Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a dramatic Triple Threat Match to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship.
After nearly ten years of fighting for his moment, Zayn shocked the wrestling world by rolling up Rhodes for the decisive three-count following one of the most chaotic WWE title matches in recent memory.
The contest delivered everything fans expected from three of WWE’s biggest stars. Cody Rhodes entered as champion, Gunther imposed his trademark brutality, and Zayn refused to quit despite enduring relentless punishment throughout the match.
Cody Rhodes, Gunther & Sami Zayn push each other to the limit
The action exploded from the opening bell as Gunther attempted to dominate both opponents with crushing chops and power offense. Sami briefly outwrestled Cody before The Ring General sent him crashing into the steel steps, establishing himself as the early aggressor.
Rhodes answered with a Cody Cutter before hitting a spectacular double Cody Cutter on both challengers. Zayn repeatedly found openings with his speed, while Gunther continued to punish both men with devastating uppercuts, powerbombs, and brutal chops.
Momentum shifted constantly. Cody’s Cross Rhodes was interrupted when Sami pulled referee Dan Engler away from the cover. Moments later, Rhodes returned the favor by dragging Engler away just as Zayn appeared ready to defeat Gunther after landing a Helluva Kick.
Outside the ring, the destruction escalated. Rhodes countered Sami’s package piledriver attempt by back body dropping him through the American announce desk. Gunther answered moments later by powerbombing Rhodes twice through the Arabic announce desk, leaving the champion barely able to continue.
Back inside the ring, Gunther locked in the Gojira Clutch and looked seconds away from becoming champion. As Rhodes began fading, Sami rushed in to keep Cody’s hand from dropping during the referee’s arm check, forcing Gunther to release the hold.
Sami Zayn capitalizes to make history in Riyadh
Zayn rallied with a corner exploder suplex and another Helluva Kick, but even that wasn’t enough to put Gunther away. Rhodes returned with an avalanche, Cody Cutter, before planting both challengers with consecutive Cross Rhodes.
The finish arrived stunningly as fans were on their feet. Cody attempted another Cross Rhodes on Zayn, but Sami countered into a perfectly timed victory roll. The referee counted three, and the arena erupted as Sami Zayn became the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
An emotional Zayn celebrated with fans throughout the arena before making his way to the entrance stage with the championship held high as pyro exploded behind him. Speaking directly into the camera, the new champion reflected on his incredible journey.
“It’s been ten years in WWE and people said I’d never do it but here I am, I did it.”
Zayn then climbed onto the barricade one final time, celebrating with the WWE Universe as Night of Champions closed with one of the most emotional championship victories in recent WWE history.
Winner: Sami Zayn pins Cody Rhodes to capture the Undisputed title for the very first time in his WWE career.
Who won in the main event of Night of Champions?
Sami Zayn pinned Cody Rhodes to capture the Undisputed title for the very first time in his WWE career.
Which match opened the show in Riyadh?
The King of the Ring tournament final between Oba Femi and Jey Uso kicked off the PLE, with Femi winning the showdown.
Who won the 2026 King & Queen of the Ring tournament?
Oba Femi won the 2026 King of the Ring tournament, while Iyo Sky won the Queen of the Ring tournament.
What is the next PLE after Night of Champions?
The next PLE after Night of Champions is SummerSlam. The 2026 edition will take place over two nights, on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
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