Sami Zayn Survives Controversial No-DQ Match, Sets Up Roman Reigns Title Collision at Crown Jewel

Sami Zayn retained the Undisputed WWE Championship on the October 30 episode of SmackDown, surviving a contentious finish in a match with United States Champion Trick Williams that was restarted under no-disqualification rules and has now been billed as a champion-versus-champion matchup against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel on November 7.

The bout opened with Williams, accompanied by Lil Yachty, taking control early and landing several big moves. Zayn was escorted to ringside by Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Williams looked close to a title change after a Bookend and later his finishing sequence, but Zayn repeatedly kicked out.

The match descended into controversy when Gargano distracted referee Charles Robinson and LeRae slid the Undisputed WWE Championship into the ring. Williams attempted to use the opportunity, and Robinson initially rang the bell and awarded Williams the victory by disqualification. Under WWE rules, titles do not change hands on a disqualification, so Zayn remained champion.

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis then cleared ringside and ordered the contest restarted as a no-disqualification match. The renewed encounter saw both men escalate their offense—kendo sticks and steel chairs were used, and each man survived multiple near-falls. Williams landed a Trick Shot and other signature offense but could not put Zayn away.

Late in the no-DQ portion, Zayn used referee positioning to his advantage, pulling Robinson in front of him before a sequence that left Williams vulnerable; Zayn then struck Williams with a low blow and the championship belt to score the three-count. The finish drew heat, but Zayn retained the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The result officially sets up Sami Zayn to face Roman Reigns in a champion-vs.-champion match at WWE Crown Jewel on November 7.