Sami Zayn retained the Undisputed WWE Championship over Kevin Owens on Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown. The manner in which he did so, however, was met with many question marks.
In the closing moments of the Zayn-Owens main event title clash, Candice LeRay climbed up to the apron to distract the referee. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, CM Punk blasted Owens with the Undisputed WWE Championship, but Zayn lifted him to the floor. Zayn then covered Owens and the referee announced that the challenger kicked out for two when his shoulders were actually flat on the mat. In the confusion and Zayn’s shocked expression, Owens then crawled to the corner where Zayn nailed him with the Helluva Kick to secure the proper pin.
Fans speculate that Owens forgot to kick out of the first strike situation. By: Fighting SelectWWE sources have since indicated otherwise, claiming that the original finish called for Owens to stay down for the three count after being hit with the WWE Title. However, when the referee did not signal the bell as planned, the media reported that the match’s ending had to be changed spontaneously.
Zayn regained the Undisputed WWE Championship a week ago by defeating CM Punk in another SmackDown main event. His first reign lasted just nine days before The Second City Saint made his surprise return to dethrone him on Raw. In his respective return at WWE SummerSlam, Owens secured his title opportunity against Punk, but later Due to Zayn’s intervention, it has decreased.