Sami Zayn new Undisputed WWE Championship challenger: Which star will be next in line following Money In The Bank 2026?

WWE

Ever since capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship, Sami Zayn has had everyone gunning for him.

Feeling like a beatable champion, Zayn has been disrespected and has had to have eyes in the back of his head.

In his two reigns as champion, Zayn has had to deal with the likes of CM Punk, Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes, so it would be interesting to see new contender emerging to go after the top prize on Friday Night SmackDown.

Here are five potential Sami Zayn new Undisputed WWE Championship challengers.

GUNTHER

At WWE Night of Champions 2026, Sami Zayn defeated Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER to become the Undisputed WWE Champion for the first time.

GUNTHER is someone who Zayn has plenty of history with over the past few years.

From their WrestleMania 40 classic over the Intercontinental Championship to doing battle over the World Heavyweight Title, Sami and GUNTHER know each other well.

After recently attacking the champion, “The Ring General” may be able to get himself another opportunity at the Undisputed WWE Championship against Zayn before long.

Finn Balor

After returning to SmackDown earlier this year, Finn Balor has had his eyes directly on the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Balor came up short in his Money In The Bank Qualifying Match and immediately confronted Sami Zayn.

Wanting to win his first world title in 10 years, Balor might be the most motivated to challenge Zayn sometime soon.

With their own history dating back to their days in NXT, Balor and Zayn could be on a collision course before long.

Johnny Gargano

On the September 4 episode of SmackDown, CM Punk defeated Johnny Gargano to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Since this match, Gargano has been refreshed and looking for the gold again.

“Johnny Wrestling” has been one of Sami Zayn’s only friends and trying to use that to get another title shot.

Coming out of WWE Money In The Bank 2026, it might finally be time for Gargano to cash in his opportunity against Zayn for the title.

Penta

On the September 14 WWE Raw, Roman Reigns defeated Penta to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.

After pushing Reigns to the limit, it feels like Penta is one of the hottest stars on the WWE roster.

Now that he has entered the Men’s Money In The Bank, the former Intercontinental Champion feels like a favorite to win the coveted briefcase.

Cashing in on Sami Zayn, Penta might make his dreams come true by cashing and becoming the new Undisputed WWE Champion sooner rather than later.

Trick Williams

At WrestleMania 42, Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn to win the WWE United States Championship.

Then at WWE Backlash 2026, Williams was able to beat Zayn yet again to retain the title.

During this feud, Trick made Sami’s life a living hell by taunting him with the Gingerbread Man insults and mascot.

Following their tense interaction on the October 2 SmackDown, it was evident that there is still a ton of animosity between the two that makes Trick the most intriguing challenger for Sami Zayn’s current Undisputed WWE Championship reign.

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• wwe
• Sami Zayn
• undisputed wwe championship
• WWE Money In The Bank 2026

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