Sami Zayn successfully retained the WWE United States Championship for the fourth consecutive week, pinning Carmelo Hayes in a thrilling match on the September 19, 2025, episode of SmackDown. This win marks Zayn’s fourth defense in just four weeks, cementing his resilient hold on the prestigious title[4][2].
The United States Championship has been fiercely contested over the past month, but Sami Zayn continues to prove why he remains a fighting champion. In this week’s highly anticipated Open Challenge, Zayn faced off against Carmelo Hayes, one of WWE’s top rising stars. The fifteen-minute encounter flowed with fast-paced exchanges and near falls that kept the crowd on edge[4][3].
From the opening bell, Zayn showcased his veteran savvy by targeting Hayes’ arm, aiming to wear down the challenger’s offense. The bout highlighted Zayn’s technical prowess and Carmelo Hayes’ athleticism, creating a compelling clash of styles[2]. Ultimately, Zayn executed his signature Blue Thunder Bomb finisher, securing the decisive pinfall over Hayes and extending his United States Title reign[4].
WWE.com posted highlights that capture the intensity of the match, with Sami Zayn’s calm, calculating in-ring strategy shining throughout the contest[3]. Fans and analysts alike praised the bout on social media and wrestling podcasts, noting it as another example of Zayn’s evolution into a top-tier singles competitor despite recent character shifts away from his previous “him” persona[1].
Sources close to WWE backstage told Fightful that Zayn’s momentum with the US Title is deliberate, as WWE plans to position him as a credible and long-term champion to elevate the prestige of the belt heading into Wrestlepalooza, WWE’s upcoming major pay-per-view event[2]. Industry insiders suggest this reign is also helping to build fresh rivalries and bring additional spotlight to mid-card storylines.
On this SmackDown, alongside the US Title clash, audiences also witnessed the build-up for next week’s Women’s Championship Triple Threat involving Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, and Jade Cargill. Meanwhile, larger storylines progressed with Brock Lesnar setting his sights on John Cena at Wrestlepalooza, hinting at high-stakes conflicts ahead[2].
The success of Sami Zayn’s recent title defenses and the quality of his matches have sparked conversations about his place in WWE’s hierarchy. According to a WWE insider who spoke to several wrestling news outlets, “Sami’s dedication and adaptability have made him a reliable champion who can connect with the audience while delivering strong matches week after week.” This commitment is reflected in Zayn’s ability to withstand challenges from top contenders like Hayes[4].
With the WWE United States Championship scene heating up, Zayn’s reign adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability to SmackDown’s weekly programming. As Wrestlepalooza approaches, fans eagerly await who will next step up to try and dethrone the veteran champion.
In summary, Sami Zayn’s fourth consecutive successful defense over Carmelo Hayes continues to solidify his United States Championship status, showcasing his resilience and technical skill. WWE’s strategic booking highlights Zayn’s importance in cultivating compelling mid-card narratives while setting the stage for potential title changes in the near future[2][4].
Key Highlights:
- Sami Zayn pins Carmelo Hayes after a 15-minute match on SmackDown, marking his fourth straight US Title defense[4][2].
- Zayn uses targeted arm work and finishes with a Blue Thunder Bomb to secure victory[2][4].
- WWE plans to position Zayn as a credible long-term US Champion to elevate the title’s prestige before Wrestlepalooza[2].
- Match praised by WWE.com and wrestling news sources for technical quality and storytelling[3][1].
- Upcoming storylines previewed for Women’s Championship and a Brock Lesnar-John Cena showdown at Wrestlepalooza[2].
- Backstage sources highlight Zayn’s role as a versatile and dependable champion[4].
This ongoing saga cements Sami Zayn’s place as a linchpin of SmackDown’s competitive mid-card, with all eyes on his next challenger in what promises to be an exciting WWE season.