Sami Zayn is the #AndNEW U.S. Champion on WWE SmackDown, WrestleMania 42 Match Official

It has come full circle for Sami Zayn on this week’s WWE SmackDown for his bid to be part of the WrestleMania 42 card. During John Cena’s retirement tour last year, in honor of the “Never Seen 17,” Sami Zayn brought back the “U.S. Open Challenge,” having banger after banger until he inevitably lost it to a returning Ilja Dragunov. The “Mad Dragon” would go on an absolute tear as well, until the end of 2025, when he lost to Carmelo Hayes.

Melo proved his worth as United States Champion. Some of WWE’s biggest stars stepped up, and they all got shot down. Even the most talented from promotions like AAA and TNA Wrestling would try to catch Carmelo Hayes lacking, but he always came through day in and day out. For over three whole months, Carmelo Hayes reigned supreme, taking every challenge put in his way, that is, until the March 27, 2026, edition of WWE SmackDown, wherein he would be challenged by the very man who brought back the challenge, Sami Zayn.

These two went to absolute war, with Hayes giving it all he’s got. Late in the match, Zayn would try for a Helluva Kick only to get caught by The First 48. Melo would go in for the kill, scale the top rope, and try to hit Nothing But Net. Zayn would recognize it and get out of harm’s way and counter with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near-fall.

Naturally, Sami would try to capitalize, but Trick Williams, who was promised at WrestleMania 42 match by Nick Aldis earlier in the night and the thorn on Sami Zayn’s side now for the best part of a month, would grab the United States Championship, looking to strike someone with it. Trick would instead go for the punch but accidentally hit his former Trick Melo Gang partner.