Sami Zayn retains on SmackDown; WrestleTalk names likely future challengers

Sami Zayn retained the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event of the "Very Nice, Very Evil" episode of WWE SmackDown, defeating Trick Williams in a No Disqualification finish after an earlier result was thrown out when Johnny Gargano became involved.

Following the result, WrestleTalk examined which names could realistically end Zayn's reign in the coming months, highlighting three primary candidates and the scenarios that could put each in position to challenge for the title.

• Randy Orton – WrestleTalk points to Orton as a potential challenger if he emerges victorious from his Last Man Standing match with Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel. The outlet notes Orton has been pursuing a 15th World Championship this year and a Crown Jewel win could place him in line for a title shot.
• Kevin Owens – Owens, who was added to Zayn’s number one contender match at SummerSlam after returning to WWE following an 18-month absence, remains in the title picture. WrestleTalk observes Owens is currently involved in a feud with CM Punk, including a match scheduled for next week’s SmackDown ahead of Crown Jewel, but says Owens is still a credible candidate to pursue the Undisputed WWE Championship later on.
• Penta – As Money in the Bank briefcase holder, Penta has already made his presence felt to Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. WrestleTalk suggests Penta could be positioned to cash in on whoever holds the title on a Friday night and therefore remains a long-term contender for the championship.

WrestleTalk framed these names as possible routes to unseating "the Last Real Good Guy," and did not report any confirmed challengers beyond the SmackDown result. We will monitor SmackDown, Crown Jewel and other WWE programming for official developments in the title picture.