WWE Night of Champions 2026 results: Sami Zayn is WWE Champion; winners, highlights

A stunning event in WWE.

The first premium live event of the summer was Night of Champions, featuring championship matches and the crowning of a new King and Queen of the Ring. The tournament final didn't just give the winner a shiny crown, but they each earned a championship match at SummerSlam, and we now know who will be headlining the event.

Then there were the three championship matches. The Undisputed WWE Championship, United States Championship, and Women's United States Championship were on the line, and while there were obvious favorites in every one of them, there was a shocking title change in one of the biggest surprises in wrestling in 2026.

USA TODAY Sports had full coverage for all of the results, highlights and analysis from Night of Champions 2026:

Watch: Night of Champions 2026 post-show

Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn

The anger of Gunther is apparent from the jump, being the first one to attack his opponents and later throw them around the area. It was clear both challengers were focused on taking Rhodes out, fighting just for the opportunity to go after the champion. Those little battles would allow Rhodes to regroup and unleash his offense on both Zayn and Gunther. It was broken up when Gunther landed a power bomb that Zayn had to interfere with to avoid the loss. He landed a Blue Thunder Bomb for a pin attempt Rhodes was able to kick out of.

Rhodes regroups and executes a Cross Rhodes on Gunther and is about to get the pin when Zayn pulls the official out of the ring to save the match. Frustrated, Rhodes tells Zayn to get in the ring and they deliver blow after blow to each other. Gunther comes back and Zayn counters a power bomb into a near victory.

All stars are down, with Zayn the first one up. He traps Gunther into the corner and gets the Helluva Kick, just for his win to be denied by Rhodes returning the favor by pulling the referee out. They meet on the announcer's table and Zayn ties the package piledriver, just for Rhodes to counter it and launch Zayn off onto the other table in a tough hit.

Gunther comes out to deliver two power bombs of Rhodes onto the last table standing, and drags the champion in the ring to get the sleeper hold in. Rhodes starts to fade, but Gunther, trying to get his grip back, allows the champion to get back up, but the submission gets locked back in. When the official goes to see if Rhodes' arm would fall, Zayn catches it to keep the match going.

Annoyed at Zayn keeping the match going, Gunther delivers chops to the other challenger, but just like WrestleMania 40, Zayn fights it off and quickly lands the Helluva Kick. The win is in sight, but Gunther kicks out.

Rhodes gets back in for a super Cody Cutter to Gunther, and there's a frenzy of moves performed by everyone trying to get the win. The Cross Rhodes is in place for Rhodes, but Zayn rolls Rhodes up, and he successfully gets the pin, stunning the champion and winning the WWE title for the first time in his career.

Analysis: Wow!

A result no one saw coming, Zayn stuns the WWE world to become the Undisputed WWE Champion.

In what had been a mostly uneventful night of wrestling, one of the biggest shockers of the year caps off Night of Champions by crowning a new WWE Champion. It came at the end of what was a very thrilling match, one that revived the energy in the arena after it felt like the juice had left after the first two matches of the night. Three great in-ring performers that were able to capture some tense moments to leave you on the edge of your seat all the way until the end. 

It’s a jaw-dropping decision given how set in stone it felt Rhodes would go into SummerSlam as champion. You were waiting for him to pull off the last move to get the win, but instead the final sequence just threw everyone off.

The entire trajectory of the next major event in wrestling now is flipped on its head. Zayn finally captures the one thing that eluded him his entire career, and now he’ll get the opportunity to headline SummerSlam 2026. Who he will face is still up in the air, but it looks like one of his opponents – likely Rhodes – will want another shot.

This result will draw plenty of reactions, but it’s fresh to see a new champion and see what unfolds from it. There aren’t any boring storylines now happening. 

Still, it’s just a result you can’t fully wrap your head around.

Sami Zayn celebrates WWE Championship win

Absolute mayhem as Zayn celebrates the biggest win of his career.

Cody Rhodes' signature entrance

"The American Nightmare" heads out to defend his title.

Women's United States Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill

The champion looked like she did her homework to avoid an early disadvantage from Cargill, but the challenger's strength couldn't be contained from the job. It does however help Stratton get away from an early loss, countering any move that could have signaled the end. She's forced to play on the defensive end so heavily, trying to squeeze through any window of opportunity.

When Stratton finally does show some offense, B-Fab and Michin come ringside to distract Stratton. Then out of nowhere, Chelsea Green emerges from under ring to even the odds. Cargill gets distracted with Green and focuses on her, and when she tries to grab the title, Charlotte Flair is there and hits Cargill with it. The challenger goes down, and Stratton recovers to deliver the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and retain the championship.

Analysis: What a big mess there was to get this result. Stratton and Cargill had something going in the ring, but it was apparent some shenanigans was going to happen. It was a lot happening at once and didn't help elevate the match, but the flow it wasn't bad.

The addition of Charlotte Flair means she is headed toward a SummerSlam match with Cargill, and Stratton will get something new coming to her with the title.

United States Championship match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Ricky Saints

As Williams makes his extravagant entrance, Saints tries to sneak up on the champion. However, Williams is more than ready and responds emphatically. Quickly down, Saints plays it smart and does a little Eddie Guerrero by pretending Lil' Yachty hit him with the kendo stick. The referee decides to throw the rapper out of the match, taking away Williams' friend to even the playing field, taking advantage of a frustrated Williams.

Saints targets Williams lower back in his attack, taking control for a good time period until Williams is able to get back in the fight. The tide changes course throughout the battle, and Saints gets some close shots at claiming the title. However, he gets caught lacking when Williams lands Trick Shot out of nowhere and gets the win to keep his title.

After the match, Saints tries to hit Williams, but Lil' Yachty comes back out to stop it, landing a People's Elbow on Saints to end the threat.

Analysis: In a matchup between two rising stars, it's mostly a dud that didn't have much excitement as it could have. The vibes in the ring died down after Lil' Yachty was tossed, and it didn't help the fans in the stands didn't seem all that engaged with what was going on. It was mostly filler before Williams landed his finisher to successfully defend his title. This bout didn't live up to its potential and hopefully it doesn't hurt the trajectory of Williams' and Saints' careers.

Steel cage match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker

When both stars brought weapons inside the cage, you knew it was going to get brutal. They each sat on a chair, eyeing each other before officially unleashing a flurry of attacks on each other. The quickness of Breakker took advantage early on, and he used the kendo stick and steel chair to help take control.

A resilient Rollins starts to use some mind games to throw Breakker off his game, opening a window for him to use the kendo stick this time. Breakker gets thrown into the steel cage repeatedly, and Rollins sets up the table against the turnbuckle, avoiding a spear from Breakker, trying to get back in the fight. Rollins piles chairs onto his opponent to try a super stomp, but Breakker gets up in time to thwart it and executes the Frankkensteiner. Soon afterward, Breakker hits the spear, and Rollins kicks out of the pin.

Breakker decides to try to climb out of the cage, and Rollins gets up to meet him at the top. Rollins doesn't just bring him back, but launches him off with a suplex and sending him through the table in a hard-hitting move that cuts Breakker open.

When they get to their feet, Breakker snaps back into form and runs for the crushing spear. Yet, Rollins kicks out of the pin as blood continues to cover the left side of Breakker's face. He tries to go through the cage door, but Rollins wrangles him back in as he tells him to "finish the fight." He tries to with another spear, and Rollins avoids it as Breakker hits the table. It leaves him open for the stomp and Rollins hits it, yet he can't put him away.

When Rollins tries another stomp, Breakker stops him before looking him in the eyes. He flexes, and Rollins climbs up the turnbuckle for the super stomp. This one does it and he gets the win over Breakker.

Analysis: What an epic one inside the steel cage. This one brought the type of heat and brutality a steel cage match needs, using weapons to do all sorts of things to each other. Both stars put their bodies on the line for this one, delivering some insane spots that easily stand out in the 1-on-1 matches we've had in 2026. What a performance Rollins and Breakker put on in what should be their final meeting.

Rollins finally gets the best of his former protege, proving the savvy veteran still rules over the up-and-coming star. This feud could have been extended had Bronson Reed returned, but with him still out of action, this can officially put a bow on this rivalry. It got better with each match, and it culminated in an extremely entertaining battle as each wrestler now moves forward.

Queen of the Ring final: Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky

Trading shots is how this one starts, each star trying to get ahead but countering any serious momentum that goes either way. Sky has some fun outside of the ring, jumping off the barricade and celebrating with fans, until Morgan sends her into the wall to take the first real control of the match, which includes a Three Amigos tribute to Dominik Mysterio. Morgan tried the Boston Crab she has been using recently, but Sky is quick to get out of it to get back on offense, hitting her signature emote in the process. She goes flying with a moonsault outside of the ring.

When Sky tried the Over the Moonsault, Morgan got up and pushed her off the turnbuckle, and she lands hard on the steel steps and Sky's left knee is clearly hurt. Morgan takes advantage with the Boston Crab submission as Sky is visibly in pain. She does get out of it, and the knee is causing problems, leaving her open for Morgan. Any time she tries anything, the knee gives out.

Despite injury, Sky finds one last push. She is able to get herself up the top turnbuckle and execute the Spanish fly to send Morgan flying down. She just needs one more to end it, and Sky lands the Over the Moonsault and gets the pin to become the Queen of the Ring.

With the crown in hand, Sky tells Morgan she will see her at SummerSlam, this time coming for the Women's World Championship.

Analysis: This match was the most interesting on the card, given how even it was, but we were spoiled to learn who would win before even the bell rang.

The pre-match Danhausen curse to Morgan decided the result, killing most of the intrigue the match had given how much Danhausen's curses have worked. It changed the entire trajectory of the story as you then wondered when it was going to come back to bite Morgan back. Luckily, there was no over-the-top hijinx to cost Morgan, rather just Sky simply being the better wrestler. Knowing the result did hurt, but it still was a good match, much thanks to Sky continuing to display her brilliance every time she's out there.

Sky's win helps add fuel to a SummerSlam build that is now confirmed, already gaining traction leading up to Night of Champions. That match will definitely be much better than this one, let's just hope the rematch doesn't get spoiled.

Danhausen curses Liv Morgan

A very nice, very evil star takes the microphone and talks about all the money he's collected, before Liv Morgan interrupts him.

She says Danhausen owes The Judgment Day, and in response, he curses Morgan. It clearly upsets her, and she slaps Danhausen before making her way down the ring.

King of the Ring final: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso

After the crowd was fully invested in both stars' entrances, they exchanged words in the middle of the ring. Uso gets a few shots into Femi, but it doesn't do much. "The Ruler" looks at his opponent before throwing Uso around. Even when he's able to land some shots with a suicide dive, Femi counters it with all of his power.

Femi tries to go for the finishers to put the match away, and Uso is able to get out of them or kick out of the pin attempts. Uso lands three consecutive superkicks and two spears before climbing the top rope for two Uso Splashes, just for it to not be enough to put Femi away. Desperate, Uso tries the sleeper hold and it has little effect as Femi gets up and gains the power back, throwing him around the ring.

The brutality kicks in, and Femi can smell it. He picks Uso up and lands the Fall From Grace, and pins Uso to become the King of the Ring.

"It feels so good to go from the ruler to being the king," Femi said as he received the crown.

Analysis: "The Ruler" is headed to SummerSlam.

The lead-up to this match all pointed to some interference from Brock Lesnar to cost Femi, but WWE plays its cards right and continues to let the rocket on the back of Femi power through. This was a complete mismatch, so Uso needed to get some shots in, but Femi was just going to continue to dominate his way through everything that stands in his way. The match was done exactly how it should've gone.

Femi is the biggest rising star in the company, and with how much he's won over fans, gets rewarded with a title shot in the second biggest event in WWE. There is a choice though, having to pick facing Roman Reigns or Cody Rhodes should he hold onto his championship. Regardless, Femi's title match is going to generate so much hype and intrigue in the lead up to SummerSlam, and instantly makes the build much more exciting.

Oba Femi entrance gets crowd rocking

The "Oba" chants are thunderous as Femi struts his way down the ring.

When is WWE Night of Champions 2026?

WWE Night of Champions 2026 is on Saturday, June 27.

WWE Night of Champions 2026 start time

Night of Champions starts at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT). Coverage begins at 11 a.m. ET (8 a.m. PT).

In Saudi Arabia, it starts at 8 p.m. local time.

Where is WWE Night of Champions 2026?

Night of Champions 2026 is at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the second consecutive year it is being held at the venue.

How to watch WWE Night of Champions 2026

The first hour of Night of Champions will air on ESPN. WWE Night of Champions will stream exclusively on ESPN's streaming service. Viewers can sign up for a subscription to the site here, which starts at $29.99 a month.

ESPN's service is available through select cable and TV packages, including:

• DIRECTV
• Fubo TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• Spectrum
• Verizon FiOS
• U-verse
• Cox
• Comcast Xfinity

If your cable or TV package includes the ESPN streaming service, you can figure out how to activate it here. 

Is Night of Champions on Netflix?

Internationally, Night of Champions is available on Netflix in most markets. It is not available on Netflix in the United States.

Night of Champions match card

Matches not in order

• Queen of the Ring final: Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky (on ESPN)
• King of the Ring final: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso (on ESPN)
• Steel cage match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
• Women's United States Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
• United States Championship match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Ricky Saints
• Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn

Night of Champions 2026 first match

The first match of the night will be the King of the Ring final between Oba Femi and Jey Uso.

Match No. 2 on the card Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky in the Queen of the Ring final.

When is WWE Night of Champions 2026 preshow?

The Night of Champions preshow begins at 11 a.m. ET (8 a.m. ET).

How to watch WWE Night of Champions 2026 preshow

The preshow will be available to stream for free on YouTube and WWE's social media channels.

Night of Champions 2026 predictions

Picks for every match at Night of Champions. See the full predictions here.

• Steel cage match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker Winner: Bron Breakker
• Women's United States Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill Winner: Tiffany Stratton.
• United States Championship match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Ricky Saints Winner: Trick Williams.
• Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn Winner: Cody Rhodes.
• Queen of the Ring final: Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky Winner: Liv Morgan.
• King of the Ring final: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso Winner: Jey Uso.

King of the Ring 2026 bracket

First round

• Oba Femi def. Solo Sikoa, Penta and Carmelo Hayes
• Dominik Mysterio def. Damian Priest, Bron Breakker and Trick Williams
• Je’Von Evans def. Ricky Saints, Seth Rollins and Talla Tonga
• Jey Uso def. LA Knight, Royce Keys and Finn Balor

Semifinals

• Oba Femi def. Dominik Mysterio
• Jey Uso def. Je’Von Evans

Final

• Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso

Queen of the Ring 2026 bracket

First round

• Liv Morgan def. Chelsea Green, Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss
• Charlotte Flair def. Lyra Valkyria, Sol Ruca and Jade Cargill
• Iyo Sky def. Giulia, Roxanne Perez and Lash Legend
• Raquel Rodriguez def. Kiana James, Bayley and Jacy Jayne

Semifinals

• Liv Morgan def. Charlotte Flair
• Iyo Sky def. Raquel Rodriguez

Final

• Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky

WWE PPV schedule 2026

Night of Champions will be the sixth premium live event of 2026 in WWE. There are three confirmed events for the rest of the year, with more expected to be announced later:

• Night of Champions: June 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• SummerSlam: August 1-2 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Money in the Bank: Oct. 10 in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Survivor Series: TBD (typically in late November)

King of the Ring history

The 25th King of the Ring will be crowned, as the tournament first took place in 1985. Here are all the stars that won King of the Ring:

• 1985: Don Muraco
• 1986: Harley Race
• 1987: Randy Savage
• 1988: Ted DiBiase
• 1989: Tito Santana
• 1991: Bret Hart
• 1993: Bret Hart
• 1994: Owen Hart
• 1995: Mabel
• 1996: Stone Cold Steve Austin
• 1997: Triple H
• 1998: Ken Shamrock
• 1999: Billy Gunn
• 2000: Kurt Angle
• 2001: Edge
• 2002: Brock Lesnar
• 2006: Booker T
• 2008: William Regal
• 2010: Sheamus
• 2015: Bad News Barrett
• 2019: Baron Corbin
• 2021: Xavier Woods
• 2024: Gunther
• 2025: Cody Rhodes

Queen of the Ring history

This is the fourth Queen of the Ring tournament after it debuted in 2021.

• 2021: Zelina Vega
• 2024: Nia Jax
• 2025: Jade Cargill