Sami Zayn did it. He finally did it.

At WWE Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, the former Intercontinental Champion won his first world title on his tenth attempt. In one of the most shocking world championship wins in WWE history, Zayn defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther to win the WWE Championship after more than a decade in WWE.

Who saw that one coming? Hardly anyone, really, especially with Zayn having to overcome Gunther and Rhodes, two of WWE’s most pushed stars, to do it. But alas, WWE ultimately decided that a major shakeup was needed after the company had, creatively speaking, run into a brick wall in recent months.

Zayn’s WWE title win in Riyadh, a rare unexpected world title upset, completely upended WWE’s main event scene in the three seconds it took Zayn to pin Rhodes. And boy oh boy was it needed.

Original Plans for Zayn's Title Win

While the Night of Champions win was a surprise, WWE had reportedly considered a world title victory for Zayn at an earlier date. Reports indicate that the original plan was for Zayn to win a world title at WrestleMania 43, scheduled for the following year in Saudi Arabia.

WWE originally hoped to have Zayn win a world title at next year’s WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia.

However, Zayn's character gained significant momentum, prompting the decision for an earlier coronation. His ability to navigate the line between villain and fan favorite during recent months seemingly influenced WWE's creative pivot, rewarding his stellar work.

CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes Impact

The change in the WWE Championship picture also affects potential feuds. CM Punk is reportedly returning soon, with plans for a move to SmackDown and a potential immediate feud with Cody Rhodes. Prior to Night of Champions, a widespread expectation was that Punk would challenge Rhodes for the WWE title as SmackDown’s top SummerSlam match.

While a Punk versus Rhodes dream match remains possible, it is now less likely to involve the WWE Championship. This opens the door for a non-title main event feud, allowing new faces into the world title picture and potentially addressing fan burnout from Rhodes and Punk consistently being in the title scene.

Oba Femi's SummerSlam Opportunity

Femi could directly challenge Sami Zayn at SummerSlam, potentially securing his first world title within eight months of his main roster run. Other potential opponents for Femi at SummerSlam, depending on the evolving title picture, include Brock Lesnar or Roman Reigns, should Zayn lose the title before then.

Featured names

• Revamps Stale
• Brock Lesnar
• Roman Reigns
• Saudi Arabia
• Intercontinental Champion
• Original Plans
• False Finish
• World Heavyweight
• Saturday Night
• Madison Square
• Title Despite