Sami Zayn is the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.
Zayn defeated Gunther to capture the title at WrestleMania 40 Night One, ending Gunther’s reign which began on Jthe une 10, 2022 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
Below is an excerpt from Mike Tedesco’s WWE WrestleMania 40 Night One recap, of how it all went down.
Zayn waits for Gunther to get up. Gunther slowly gets up. Zayn charges for a Helluva Kick, but Gunther turns him inside out with a clothesline. Gunther connects with two VICIOUS Powerbombs and covers. 1… 2… ZAYN KICKS OUT! The crowd is in disbelief, as is Zayn’s wife. Gunther shouts at Zayn’s wife, who gives it right back to him. Zayn is up on his knees, so Gunther chops him and kicks him in the chest. Gunther pounds away at him and backs up. Zayn slowly gets up, and Gunther easily clotheslines him down. Zayn appears to be dead meat. Gunther saunters around the ring and calls for Zayn’s wife to get in the ring. Gunther ANNIHILATES Zayn with a brutal Powerbomb. Gunther turns and looks at Zayn’s wife before smiling. The commentators are begging the referee to call the match off. Zayn doesn’t appear able to defend himself. Gunther goes to the top rope and hits a flying splash. Gunther smiles and goes back to the top rope. Gunther smashes Zayn with another flying splash. Gunther goes back to the apron and taunts Zayn’s wife. Zayn is writhing in pain on the mat and trying to fire himself up. Gunther is in disbelief. Gunther heads to the top rope, but Zayn catches him with a Helluva Kick! Zayn hits Gunther with a Brainbuster off the ropes! Gunther is stunned! Gunther slowly pulls himself up in the corner! Zayn connects with a Helluva Kick, and Gunther collapses down. Zayn goes to the opposite corner, and the crowd is FIRED UP! Zayn hits another Helluva Kick and covers! 1… 2… 3! Zayn has ended the longest Intercontinental Championship reign at 666 days!
After the match, an emotional Sami Zayn takes the WWE Intercontinental Championship and holds it up. Zayn goes to ringside and kisses his wife. Zayn gets back in the ring and celebrates.