Add as a preferred source on Google Sami Zayn has barely started his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, but the possibility of him losing the title quickly is already being debated by fans and major names in WWE.
Zayn won the title at Night of Champions by defeating Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a Triple Threat Match. The victory marked the first world title of his WWE career after years of failed attempts at reaching the top of the company.
However, his first defense is already set for the next episode of Monday Night RAW on July 6, against Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare earned the opportunity after defeating Jey Uso on Friday Night SmackDown, with Adam Pearce making the match official shortly afterward.
On a recent edition of the Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ Styles commented on the new champion and made it clear that he does not want to see Zayn treated as only a transitional champion.
“I don’t want to see a transitional champion.”
Styles also said Sami is capable of carrying a meaningful reign as an underdog at the top of WWE.
“I think that Sami’s more than capable of pulling off being a world champion.”
WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles says he doesn't want to see Sami Zayn have a transitional title reign, believing Sami is more than capable of pulling off a meaningful run as champion.
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) July 5, 2026
He feels that after finally winning the title, having Sami lose it shortly afterward wouldn't be… pic.twitter.com/bQ5LkrWeNC
The Hall of Famer also noted that the uncertainty surrounding the next step in the story makes the road to SummerSlam more interesting, especially with it still unclear whether Cody, Gunther, or someone else will be Zayn’s top challenger at the event.
So far, WWE has given no official indication that Zayn will lose the title on RAW. Still, the speed with which Rhodes received his rematch has added to the feeling that the reign could be at risk in Zayn’s first major defense.