Sami Zayn secured a significant and deeply personal victory at Night of Champions, defeating Karrion Kross in a grudge match that culminated a months-long psychological rivalry. The win, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked Zayn’s first victory at a premium live event in 210 days, his last one being at Survivor Series in 2024.
The conflict stemmed from Kross’s relentless campaign to undermine Zayn’s confidence. Highlighting Zayn’s recent high-profile failures—including losses in a World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther, the Royal Rumble, and a King of the Ring semi-final against Randy Orton—Kross insisted that Zayn could never become a world champion without embracing a darker persona. The feud reached a boiling point on an episode of WWE RAW when a frustrated Zayn physically struck Kross, leading to their match being made official for the event.
Entering the arena wearing a Keffiyeh in a nod to his heritage, Zayn faced a methodical and physically dominant Kross for much of the contest. Kross controlled the pace, punishing Zayn with moves like the Saito suplex. However, the turning point came when Kross, consumed by his own mind games, cornered his opponent and demanded Zayn admit he was right.
Seizing the momentary lapse in his opponent’s offense, Zayn sprang from the corner and connected with a sudden Helluva Kick, securing the pinfall victory. The win serves as a powerful vindication for Zayn, silencing his tormentor and potentially clearing a path toward his goal of winning a world championship. For Kross, while it was a loss in his first singles premium live event match of 2025, his commanding performance showcased his abilities on a major stage.