3 Reasons why Trick Williams failed to dethrone Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn on SmackDown

United States Champion Trick Williams clashed with Sami Zayn in the main event, with the Undisputed WWE Title on the line. Mr. Lemon Peppa Steppa wanted to win the strap, walk out as double champion, and take on Roman Reigns in a Champion vs. Champion match at Crown Jewel 2026.

Initially, the bout ended in a disqualification after Johnny Gargano interfered and pulled the referee out, citing Sami Zayn’s use of rules for unfair advantage in title matches. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis appeared and restarted the match under No Disqualification rules, banning everyone from ringside.

The Last Real Good Guy retained his title after connecting a low blow on Trick Williams, then smashed the title belt in his face before pinning him.

That said, in this listicle, we will explore three reasons why Trick Williams failed to dethrone Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn on Friday Night SmackDown:

#3. Not ready for a World Title run

Trick Williams arrived on WWE Friday Night SmackDown after having a successful career at NXT. Since arriving on the main-roster scene, Mr. Whoop That has carried the mid-card division on his back.

Williams has also elevated the United States Championship to another level and has been a perfect representation of the title.

While Trick has been on his way to the top and is doing great things as the United States Champion, he still needs more time to evolve into a WWE Championship-level performer.

#2. WWE is pushing Sami Zayn heading into Saudi Arabia

After defending his Undisputed Championship by beating Trick Williams, Sami Zayn is set to face Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel 2026, a premium live event in November in Saudi Arabia, in a traditional Champion vs. Champion match for the Crown Jewel title.

Sami Zayn has strong ties with Middle Eastern audiences, as he shares the region’s cultural and religious beliefs. The Last Real Good Guy garners hometown-level cheers whenever he competes there. So WWE may be pushing Zayn to compete in Saudi Arabia, which may be another reason Triple H didn’t put the Undisputed Championship on Trick Williams.

#1. To finish the rivalry

Trick Williams and Sami Zayn have a long history; Williams’ first prominent feud was against The Last Real Good Guy. The two clashed at WrestleMania 42, with Zayn putting his United States Championship on the line.

Sami and Trick clashed in a WrestleMania rematch at Backlash 2026, where Williams once again won with interference from Lil Yachty. WWE needed to finish the rivalry, and Zayn needed a win to finally bring it to a full stop.

Therefore, Triple H and his creative team wrote a perfect ending to the Williams-Zayn saga while leaving room open for a fourth match.

That said, the angle above is speculative, and nothing has been officially confirmed yet. It will be interesting to see what plans Triple H and the WWE creative team have in store for Sami Zayn as Undisputed Champion and for Trick Williams as the reigning United States Champion.

Edited by Divesh Merani