Sami Zayn Shocks Solo Sikoa to Capture U.S. Championship on SmackDown in Lyon

Fans inside the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France witnessed history hours before U.S. audiences will see it on TV — Sami Zayn has finally captured the United States Championship.

On the August 29 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Zayn dethroned Solo Sikoa in a dramatic main event that turned into all-out chaos around ringside. Sikoa’s backup — the MFTs (Talla Tonga, JC Mateo, and Tonga Loa) — repeatedly interfered to try and protect his reign. But the odds evened when Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso stormed down, neutralizing the interference and leaving Solo vulnerable.

With the French crowd rallying behind him, Zayn absorbed punishment, countered a Samoan Spike attempt, and drilled Solo with back-to-back Helluva Kicks to score the three count. The Lyon arena erupted as Zayn celebrated his first reign as U.S. Champion, ending Sikoa’s 62-day tenure with the title.

📊 Title Reign Notes

• Sami Zayn: First United States Championship reign in WWE.
• Solo Sikoa: Held the title for 62 days, successfully defending it twice before falling to Zayn.

🎙 Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

This victory wasn’t just about a championship — it was about Sami Zayn reclaiming his identity as one of WWE’s most beloved underdogs. Winning the U.S. Title in France, in front of a crowd that treated him like a hometown hero, felt symbolic.

For Solo Sikoa, this loss signals potential cracks in The Bloodline’s dominance, especially with Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso getting involved. It sets the stage for a volatile showdown as family allegiances continue to splinter heading into WWE Clash in Paris.

Zayn’s reign adds fresh energy to a championship that’s been adrift in recent years, and if tonight’s atmosphere is any indication, his run could be one of the most meaningful of his career.

#WWENews #WWESmackDown