The wrestling world is buzzing after Sami Zayn’s historic victory over Solo Sikoa to claim the WWE United States Championship on the August 29, 2025 episode of SmackDown at the LDLC Arena in Lyon. Zayn’s championship win marked a significant milestone in his 23-year wrestling career. The 41-year-old Canadian, defeated Sikoa in a thrilling main event, overcoming interference from Sikoa’s MFT faction (Talla Tonga, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and JC Mateo). With timely assistance from Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu, who neutralized the MFTs, Zayn delivered two Helluva Kicks to pin Sikoa, ending his 62-day reign and capturing the United States Championship for the first time.
Former WWE head writer Vince Russo has reportedly stirred controversy with pointed remarks about the new champion, questioning Sami Zayn’s credibility as a titleholder. Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s BroDown podcast, Russo argued that Zayn lacks the intimidating presence expected of a champion, claiming that casual fans perceive him as someone they could easily overpower. “If you’ve got four to six buddies together drinking beer, either they’re at home or they’re at the bar or wherever they are, and Sami Zayn comes on that screen, you know, every one of those guys are saying, ‘I could beat that guy’s a**.’ You know, that’s what regular people are saying, man,” Russo stated.
In 2024 Russo reportedly slammed Sami Zayn’s appearance calling him a “slob”
Vince Russo reportedly argued that casual fans, unlike the hardcore WWE audience, view Sami Zayn as unthreatening, a sentiment he believes hinders Zayn’s ability to draw new viewers. In 2024, he slammed Zayn’s appearance, reportedly calling him a “slob” and arguing that he doesn’t belong on television alongside more physically imposing stars like Bron Breakker. On BroDown, Russo further suggested that Triple H’s decision to push Zayn is a “subtle power play” tied to his legacy, claiming that Triple H favors less imposing stars to maintain his own stature in WWE history. The Lyon crowd, described as one of the most electric in WWE history, erupted in celebration, with Triple H tweeting, “An incredibly gutsy performance by one of the best. For the first time, @SamiZayn is your United States Champion. #EtNouveau.”
Sami Zayn’s victory capped a month-long storyline that saw him transition to SmackDown, defeat Solo Sikoa in a non-title match on August 8, 2025 and pin him again in a six-man tag match on August 15, setting the stage for the title bout. Zayn’s journey to the United States Championship reflects his versatility. A four-time Intercontinental Champion and former NXT Champion, Zayn has earned accolades like the 2010 Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Feud of the Year with Kevin Owens. His recent SmackDown run, including victories over Karrion Kross at SummerSlam 2024 and Sikoa.
