On the March 27 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes to become the new and two-time WWE United States Champion.
While Zayn is scheduled to defend the title against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42, it seems like he will defend the title on the April 3 episode of SmackDown.
Considering all the potential challengers whether they be from the blue brand or elsewhere, it could be any number of contenders who step up to face Sami for the gold in St. Louis, Missouri.
Here are eight potential Sami Zayn WWE United States Championship open challenge opponents on SmackDown.
8. Carmelo Hayes
Back on the December 26 Friday Night SmackDown, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to win the WWE United States Championship.
To start 2026, Hayes has adopted the US Title Open Challenge and has successfully defended the gold against a litany of different challengers.
From TNA’s Leon Slater to AAA’s El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., Hayes has not backed down from any opponent and proved himself as a fighting champion.
Melo stepping up to accepting Sami Zayn’s first open challenge since taking the title from him would give him a chance to win the title back and earn his way to a deserving spot on the WrestleMania 42 card.
7. Ilja Dragunov
Another former United States Champion who could earn their spot on the WrestleMania 42 lineup is Ilja Dragunov.
“The Mad Dragon” has pursued the US gold ever since losing the title at the end of 2025 and recently came up short against Carmelo Hayes on the March 20 episode of SmackDown.
Now that Sami Zayn is the new US Champion, Dragunov could try to repeat what he was able to do last year.
Dragunov ending Sami’s second reign like he did the first would make a lot of sense and also make the entire US Title picture much more interesting as a result.
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6. Shinsuke Nakamura
Since signing with WWE in 2016, Shinsuke Nakamura has found one of his career rivals in Sami Zayn.
From their first battle at WWE NXT TakeOver: Dallas to their matches for championship gold, Nakamura and Zayn have displayed undeniable chemistry against one another.
“The King of Strong Style” being the latest contender to answer the US Title Open Challenge would be fitting and allow him to get a match on the WrestleMania 42 premium live event.
After accepting the US Title Open Challenge of Zayn in the past, Nakamura could become a three-time United States Champion just in time for “The Showcase of the Immortals.”
5. Montez Ford
During Ilja Dragunov’s United States Championship reign, “The Mad Dragon” made it clear that the open challenge was available for everyone on the SmackDown roster even if they were in a tag team.
From Axiom to Nathan Frazer, the contenders lined up to get their shot at the US Title over the past few months.
Considering Sami Zayn just regained the title, there could be a returning name who accepts his open challenge like Montez Ford of The Street Profits.
After being off WWE television since the summer of 2025, Ford accepting the US Title Open Challenge would be an excellent way to bring the Street Profits back into the fold.
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4. Rey Fenix
Another WWE star who has been an active part of the United States Championship scene is Rey Fenix.
The former AEW star has been a standout in-ring performer due to his amazing high flying arsenal and lucha libre influence.
After failing to win the gold in his previous attempts, Fenix could be the one who has what it takes to take down Sami Zayn for the United States Championship.
With their established friendship backstage over the past few months, Fenix could accept the open challenge and dethrone Zayn to make his way to WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
3. Ethan Page
While many WWE stars have accepted the United States Championship Open Challenge in the past, there have been talent from other rosters who have competed for the gold.
With stars from Lucha Libre AAA and TNA Wrestling having taken the challenge, it opens the door for just about anybody who could be next to step up to the plate.
Looking at the WWE NXT roster, Ethan Page is someone who has solidified himself as one of the top stars on the brand and could make for a formidable opponent for the US Title Open Challenge.
“All Ego” facing Zayn would make for a competitive clash that could further highlight the United States Championship picture as well as the NXT brand overall in a major way.
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2. Royce Keys
At WWE Royal Rumble 2026, Royce Keys made his debut with the company as an entrant in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.
The former Powerhouse Hobbs made a name for himself on the AEW roster over the past five years and looked to do the same in WWE.
However, Keys has not been seen on WWE television since his arrival at the Royal Rumble 2026 premium live event.
With Sami Zayn issuing the United States Championship Open Challenge, Keys could make a statement upon his debut on WWE television with a strong showing against one of the top stars in the promotion.
1. Aleister Black
On the March 20 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Aleister Black defeated Sami Zayn thanks to a distraction from Trick Williams.
The following week, Zayn went on to win the United States Championship with a win over Carmelo Hayes.
Now that he has a title in his possession, Zayn could defend the gold against the last individual who defeated him inside the squared circle.
Black going after the US Title against Zayn could make for a compelling clash between the two men and further elevate the entire championship picture on Friday Night SmackDown.
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