Sami Zayn Captures Men's United States Championship, Earns Match at WrestleMania 42

The Underdog from the Underground defeats Carmelo Hayes to become a two-time U.S. Champion and secure a spot at the 'Showcase of the Immortals'.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:03am

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Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes on Friday night's episode of WWE SmackDown to capture the Men's United States Championship for the second time in his career. The victory came just three weeks before WrestleMania 42, where Zayn will now defend the title against his rival Trick Williams.

Why it matters

Zayn's win not only gives him another championship reign, but also secures his spot on the WrestleMania card after he was surprisingly left off last year's event. The title change also ends Hayes' 90-day reign as U.S. Champion, which saw him successfully defend the title against several top stars.

The details

Zayn answered an open challenge from Hayes on SmackDown and was able to capitalize after Trick Williams' interference backfired, allowing Sami to hit the Helluva Kick for the victory. The win marks Zayn's third singles title in WWE, as he previously held the Intercontinental and U.S. Championships.

  • Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes on the March 28, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown.
  • Zayn will defend the Men's United States Championship against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42 on either April 18 or 19, 2026.

The players

Sami Zayn

A two-time WWE Men's United States Champion who is now set to defend the title against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42.

Carmelo Hayes

The former WWE Men's United States Champion whose 90-day reign came to an end after losing the title to Sami Zayn.

Trick Williams

Sami Zayn's rival who will challenge him for the Men's United States Championship at WrestleMania 42.

Nick Aldis

The SmackDown General Manager who informed Sami Zayn that he did not have a guaranteed spot on the WrestleMania 42 card, despite Trick Williams being confirmed for the event.

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What they’re saying

“I'm gonna have a match at WrestleMania. Just you watch.”

— Sami Zayn

What’s next

Sami Zayn will defend the Men's United States Championship against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42 on either April 18 or 19, 2026.

The takeaway

Sami Zayn's victory not only gives him another championship reign, but also secures his spot on the WrestleMania card after being left off last year's event. The title change also ends Carmelo Hayes' impressive but short-lived reign as U.S. Champion, setting up a highly anticipated match between Zayn and his rival Trick Williams at the 'Showcase of the Immortals'.