Summary

Sami Zayn won the WWE United States Championship on SmackDown by defeating Carmelo Hayes. WWE then announced Zayn will defend the title against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42.

Winner

Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes to win the WWE United States Championship.

Title history before WrestleMania 42

Hayes' run lasted 98 days and included eight successful title defenses. Zayn also held the championship earlier at the end of 2025 for 49 days, recording six successful defenses before losing the belt to Ilja Dragunov.

What Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams changes at WrestleMania 42

Sami Zayn entering WrestleMania 42 as champion immediately raises the stakes of his match with Trick Williams from a featured bout to a title fight. It also gives WWE a clear continuation point for the United States Championship scene right after a fresh title change on SmackDown.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.