Sami Zayn defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a triple threat match on Saturday to win the WWE Championship [1].

The victory marks a career milestone for Zayn, who has long been a prominent figure in the company but had never held the top title. His win at the Night of Champions event signals a shift in the championship landscape and ends a lengthy pursuit of the gold.

The match took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [4]. The contest featured three of the company's most high-profile athletes, culminating in a finish that saw Zayn emerge as the new champion [1].

This victory was not immediate for the new champion. According to reports, Zayn captured the title on his 10th attempt [5]. This persistence defines his journey toward the championship, as he had previously fallen short in multiple high-stakes opportunities throughout his career [1].

Rhodes and Gunther were unable to secure the victory in the three-way clash. The event, held on June 27, 2026 [1], served as the centerpiece of the Night of Champions card in Saudi Arabia [4].

Zayn now enters his first reign as the WWE Champion [1]. The company has not yet announced who will be the first challenger to face Zayn for the title, but the victory establishes him as the face of the brand.

“Sami Zayn captured the title on his 10th attempt”

Zayn's victory is a significant narrative shift for WWE, rewarding a long-term underdog story. By winning on his 10th attempt, Zayn's ascent provides a blueprint for perseverance within the company's storytelling, while simultaneously removing the title from established powerhouses like Cody Rhodes and Gunther.