Sami Zayn WWE Champion: 4 Superstars Who Could Dethrone Him Before SummerSlam 2026

Sami Zayn WWE Champion has become one of the most emotional moments in recent WWE history. After years of chasing the biggest prize in the company, Sami Zayn finally reached the top by defeating Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a Triple Threat Match at Night of Champions 2026.

The victory completed the journey of “The Underdog from the Underground” and gave fans a moment they had waited years to see. However, championship victories are often followed by the biggest challenges, and Sami’s reign could already be facing danger.

With SummerSlam 2026 approaching, WWE has several major stars who could realistically challenge or even defeat Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Whether WWE chooses to give Sami a long championship run or create a shocking title change, these four superstars could be serious threats.

Sami Zayn’s Historic Championship Win Changed WWE’s Landscape

Sami Zayn’s rise to becoming Undisputed WWE Champion was built on patience, resilience, and fan support.

For years, Sami was viewed as one of WWE’s most talented performers who had never received the opportunity to become the company’s top champion.

His victory at Night of Champions changed that perception. However, WWE history shows that emotional title wins do not always guarantee long reigns.

4. Cody Rhodes Could Quickly Reclaim The Undisputed WWE Championship

Cody Rhodes remains one of the most realistic options to dethrone Sami Zayn.

The American Nightmare lost the championship at Night of Champions, but WWE could easily create a rematch storyline before SummerSlam.

Because Rhodes was the champion before Sami, he has a strong argument for another opportunity.

If WWE decides that Sami’s championship moment was designed as an emotional milestone rather than a long-term reign, Cody could become champion again quickly.

Why Cody Rhodes Makes Sense As Sami’s First Major Challenge

• Previous champion status: Cody has a legitimate claim to a rematch.
• Main-event credibility: Rhodes remains one of WWE’s biggest stars.
• Storyline value: A rematch would test Sami’s ability as champion.

A title change back to Cody could also open the door for future rivalries, including unfinished business with Randy Orton.

3. Gunther Could Reclaim His Position At The Top Of WWE

Gunther is another superstar who could realistically end Sami Zayn’s championship reign.

The Ring General lost the Triple Threat Match at Night of Champions, but an important detail remains: he was not the person who was pinned.

That gives WWE a natural storyline reason to give Gunther another opportunity.

Gunther has already established himself as one of WWE’s most dominant competitors. His previous championship run proved that he can carry a major title program.

Why Gunther Is A Dangerous Challenger

• Physical advantage: His hard-hitting style creates a major challenge for Sami.
• Previous success: He has proven himself as a top-level champion.
• Redemption story: Losing at Night of Champions could motivate him.

If WWE wanted a shocking but believable title change, Gunther would be one of the strongest options.

2. Drew McIntyre Has A Major Advantage Over Sami Zayn

Drew McIntyre presents one of the most interesting threats because of his history with Sami Zayn.

The Scottish Warrior has consistently had Sami’s number, creating a storyline advantage that WWE could easily use.

McIntyre’s argument would be simple: Sami may be champion, but he has never truly proven he can defeat Drew.

That history alone makes him a credible challenger.

A Sami Zayn versus Drew McIntyre rivalry would also create an interesting contrast: the emotional underdog champion against a dominant veteran fighter.

1. Brock Lesnar Could Shock WWE Fans By Taking The Title

The biggest possible threat to Sami Zayn’s championship reign could be Brock Lesnar.

The Beast Incarnate remains one of WWE’s biggest attractions, and his return always changes the direction of major storylines.

A potential Brock Lesnar championship victory would immediately create a massive SummerSlam situation.

If Lesnar defeated Sami before SummerSlam, it could set up a blockbuster match against Oba Femi, who has unfinished business with Lesnar.

Why Brock Lesnar Is A Unique Threat

• Star power: Brock instantly creates a major event-level match.
• Championship history: He has repeatedly been trusted with world titles.
• Storyline connection: His history with rising stars creates fresh possibilities.

A Lesnar championship run would completely change the landscape heading into SummerSlam.

Comparison: What Makes A Successful WWE Champion?

Different WWE champions succeed for different reasons. Some dominate through strength, while others connect emotionally with fans.

The challenge for WWE is deciding what kind of champion Sami Zayn should become.

Could Sami Zayn Actually Lose The Title Before SummerSlam?

While these four superstars could defeat Sami, WWE also has a reason to protect him.

His championship victory was a long-term payoff that fans emotionally invested in for years.

A short reign could disappoint supporters who wanted to see Sami finally enjoy his moment at the top.

The best booking decision may be allowing Sami to defeat major challengers and prove he belongs as a world champion.

Future Outlook: Sami Zayn’s Championship Story Has Just Started

Sami Zayn WWE Champion represents a career-defining moment, but the next stage will determine his legacy.

Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Drew McIntyre, and Brock Lesnar all have believable reasons to challenge him before SummerSlam 2026.

Whether Sami’s reign becomes a short emotional chapter or a historic championship run will depend on how WWE handles the biggest test of his career.

Conclusion: Sami Zayn’s Biggest Challenge Is Keeping The Championship

Sami Zayn finally reached the WWE mountaintop, but staying there may be even harder than winning the title.

With several elite superstars waiting for an opportunity, his championship reign will be tested immediately.

The Underdog from the Underground has already achieved the dream. Now he must prove he can defend it against WWE’s biggest threats.