Sami Zayn is the new WWE United States Champion after defeating Carmelo Hayes on SmackDown, with a WrestleMania 42 title defense against Trick Williams announced immediately following the title change.
Hayes’ 98-day reign came to an end with the help of Williams, his former friend and NXT ally, who blindsided Hayes with a punch at a moment in the match and allowed Zayn to capitalize and score the pinfall victory.
Following the victory, Zayn took to social media to express gratitude toward his fanbase. “Big thank you to my fans,” Zayn wrote. “These past few months especially have been tumultuous, and you’ve had my back when times were tough. Now we are heading to WrestleMania together, and I am walking in as a champion. Lots of love.”
Hayes had been a strong United States Champion during his 98-day reign, making eight successful title defenses, including multiple Open Challenge victories, before the title changed hands. Zayn is no stranger to the United States Championship, having previously held the title for 49 days at the end of 2025 and making six successful defenses during that reign before losing it to Ilja Dragunov.
The United States Championship match at WrestleMania 42 is now officially set with Zayn defending against Williams. WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here is the latest Mania card:
- CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship
- Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship
- Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship
- Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship
- Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi
- AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship
- Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre
- Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams for the United States Championship
Big thank you to my fans. These past few months especially have been tumultuous, and you’ve had my back when times were tough.
Now we are heading to Wrestlemania together, and I am walking in as a champion. Lots of love -SZ pic.twitter.com/tXYFe9EL6D— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) March 30, 2026