Sami Zayn retains WWE Championship on SmackDown after no‑DQ restart; Crown Jewel defense set
Sami Zayn retained the WWE Championship on Friday’s SmackDown after a no‑disqualification restart and a belt shot, and WWE confirmed he will defend the title against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel.
Sami Zayn left Friday’s SmackDown still WWE Champion after a chaotic finish that saw the match restarted under no‑disqualification rules and end with Zayn striking Trick Williams with the title.
The singles match was initially interrupted when Johnny Gargano pulled the referee out of the ring as Williams went for a cover, prompting a disqualification call. Nick Aldis then entered, announced that Gargano, Candice LeRae and Lil Yachty would be barred from ringside, and ordered the match restarted as a no‑disqualification contest.
Williams controlled much of the restarted match until Zayn pulled the referee between them to create a distraction. With the official out of position, Zayn delivered a low blow and then used the WWE Championship belt to strike Williams for the pin and retain the title.
After the match, WWE confirmed Zayn will defend the WWE Championship against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel next weekend.
The singles encounter had been set up on last week’s SmackDown, when Williams interrupted a Zayn promo. That night a six‑man tag saw Williams, Penta and Rey Fenix defeat Sami Zayn, Johnny Gargano and Ricky Saints.
