Now that WWE star Sami Zayn has resurrected the United States Championship open challenge, it leaves room for new signings to debut.
From familiar faces to WWE audiences to others that would be entirely new signings to the company – there are some incredible options for who may answer Zayn’s open challenge each week.
Here are seven new WWE signings that could answer Sami Zayn’s US Open Challenge.
7. Jeff Hardy
One legendary surprise opponent for Sami Zayn could end up being current TNA Wrestling star, Jeff Hardy.
With both Matt and Jeff Hardy’s TNA Wrestling contracts set to be up towards the end of the year, it would be a great segue for the pair to make a surprise appearance on SmackDown.
Having Sami Zayn face off against Jeff Hardy for the United States Championship would feel like a delightful time warp for some fans while others could meet the legendary Hardy Boyz for the first time.
Able to stay strong even in defeat – he is Jeff Hardy after all – the open challenge could be a heartwarming vehicle to see particularly Jeff Hardy get adoration from the crowd.
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6. Mike D Vecchio
Recently signed to WWE, Belgian wrestler Mike D Vecchio could be a frightening opponent to answer Sami Zayn’s open challenge.
With his most heelish iterations in WxW and PROGRESS casting him as an arrogant and aggressive powerhouse, the star has recently named both Bron Breakker and GUNTHER as potential dream opponents.
Able to have an intense and physical match up with Sami Zayn, the audience would surely be concerned for the future of Zayn’s reign.
While answering the open challenge would be an iconic introduction to the main roster, Mike D Vecchio is a name to remember regardless.
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5. Joe Hendry
No stranger to answering open challenges on the WWE main roster in big moments – Joe Hendry could definitely pop-up on an episode of SmackDown.
After already having a match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41, main roster fans are already familiar with the TNA Wrestling and NXT fan favorite.
Certainly able to have a technical and emotionally compelling match against Sami Zayn, Hendry would undoubtedly put on a show.
With Hendry seemingly poised to anchor NXT for the foreseeable future, answering Zayn’s US Open Challenge would give main roster WWE fans another taste of what’s to come when he eventually moves to the main roster.
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4. Isiah Kassidy
In one case of a disappearing AEW star, Isiah Kassidy hasn’t been seen in AEW since dropping the AEW Tag Team Championship along with his Private Party partner Marq Quen.
While it was initially thought that the duo were set to see their AEW contracts expire over the summer, the duo have yet to appear anywhere else and remain on the company’s roster page.
Still rumored to have interest from WWE, the pair’s well defined characters and TV experience means they could come off the bench and immediately debut on the main roster in the company.
In the event either or both are set to be free agents in the near future – it would be great to see them debut against Sami Zayn on SmackDown.
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3. Mike Santana
On October 12 at TNA Wrestling Bound for Glory, Mike Santana has the opportunity to reclaim the TNA title from NXT star Trick Williams.
Whether or not he captures the title, he could still make an amazing surprise opponent for Sami Zayn and his United States Open Challenge.
In an enjoyable crossover with TNA Wrestling, WWE main roster fans could get a glimpse of the intensity and likability that NXT fans have come to expect from Mike Santana.
Proving himself to be a reliable top babyface in TNA Wrestling, Mike Santana could definitely find himself a full fledged member of the WWE roster in the future.
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2. Danhausen
An amazing surprise opponent for Sami Zayn’s open challenge would be Danhausen.
The quirky character hasn’t seen in-ring action in AEW since December 2023 however has remained incredibly active on the indies.
Competing in independent promotions across the world in the interim, the fan favorite also reportedly can count The Rock amongst those enamored by the “Very Nice and Very Evil” star.
Bringing a unique connection with audiences as well as a demonstrated ability to move merch – it would seem that Danhausen could definitely be a fit in WWE, and could first show up via Zayn’s open challenge, providing it is still going on by the time Danhausen’s AEW contract expires in 2026.
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1. Corey Graves
While he may have just taken a pair of vicious F5’s from Brock Lesnar on WWE SmackDown, Corey Graves hasn’t seen any in-ring action in recent memory.
However, some fans may be surprised to hear that he has actually been medically cleared to compete for several years.
Potentially being written off TV in his commentary role to make way for the return of Corey Graves the wrestler, Zayn and fans alike would be truly caught off guard if it was Graves who stood across the ring from him on SmackDown.
Whether he returns full-time or just for sporadic appearances, Graves’ return would make for a true feel good story.
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