Add as a preferred source on Google Sami Zayn has finally reached the top of WWE, capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship in a moment that, not long ago, felt too far away to actually happen. His win over Cody Rhodes and Gunther at Night of Champions was historic, but it also opened up a wide range of possibilities for WWE on the road to SummerSlam.
Now, the question is simple: how will WWE treat Sami as champion? Depending on the direction, his title reign could be validated quickly, or it could become a short chapter inside bigger stories.
Sami Zayn vs. CM Punk
The best possible scenario would be Sami Zayn defending the title against CM Punk. It is the kind of match that does not need much extra dressing to work, because it involves two names with major connections to the audience and careers built around resistance, frustration, and redemption.
Punk chasing Sami’s title at SummerSlam would immediately give the reign weight. It would also make for a strong promo-driven rivalry, with two characters capable of turning a title feud into something personal without relying on interference or creative shortcuts.
Brock Lesnar Beats Sami Before SummerSlam
The worst path would be Brock Lesnar defeating Sami Zayn at Saturday Night’s Main Event and heading into SummerSlam as champion to face Oba Femi for the WWE Championship.
Lesnar vs. Femi would have physical and commercial appeal, especially in Minneapolis, but the cost would be high. Sami would lose the title far too quickly, right after the biggest moment of his career. It would create the impression that WWE only gave him the title for a temporary emotional reaction.
Cody Rhodes Gets His Rematch
An almost comical scenario would be Cody Rhodes getting his rematch at SummerSlam. Not because the match would be bad, but because it would be the most obvious solution possible.
Cody lost the title, remains one of WWE’s top names, and could naturally demand another shot. The issue is that it would once again place Sami as a supporting piece in the American Nightmare’s story, which would significantly weaken the start of his reign.
Cody Beats Sami Before SummerSlam
The chaos scenario would be Cody Rhodes defeating Sami before SummerSlam even arrives. In that case, Sami would not even make it to the biggest event of the summer as champion.
That would be a difficult decision to defend. After such a long-awaited win, ending the reign within a few weeks would make the Night of Champions victory feel smaller than it should. Sami needs, at minimum, to survive this first major test as champion.
Gunther Seeks Revenge
A very WWE-style path would be Gunther getting revenge on Sami Zayn. The story has been there since WrestleMania 40, when Sami ended the Austrian’s legendary reign as Intercontinental Champion.
Now, with Zayn also getting past Gunther in a match for the company’s top title, the rivalry would gain another layer. For Gunther, Sami could become an obsession. For Sami, it would be a chance to prove his historic win was no fluke.
Kevin Owens Gets Cleared
The most emotional scenario would be Kevin Owens getting cleared to return to the ring, finally giving WWE KO vs. Sami for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Few stories in WWE have that much history behind them. Friendship, betrayal, reconciliation, jealousy, partnership — it is all already there. Putting the title at the center of the rivalry would be enough to make it one of the most important programs of Sami’s reign.
Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn
Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn would be an unexpected choice, but it would work. Orton as the cold, opportunistic veteran looking to end Sami’s dream would put the champion in a different position.
It would not be the biggest match available for SummerSlam, but it would carry weight. Sami would be facing someone who represents the exact kind of star WWE has historically protected. For his reign, beating Orton would be an important validation.
Oba Femi Challenges Sami Zayn
The most brutal scenario would be Oba Femi choosing Sami Zayn. In that case, the reign would go from fairy tale to immediate survival mode.
Femi won King of the Ring and earned the right to choose a world champion to face at SummerSlam. If he chooses Sami, WWE would be putting its champion against a physically superior opponent who is clearly on the rise.
As of now, WWE has not officially confirmed any of these directions. This is only a look at the possible paths for Sami Zayn as Undisputed WWE Champion.