4 Superstars who could dethrone Sami Zayn before WWE SummerSlam 2026

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#4. Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes cannot be ruled out as a potential challenger for Sami Zayn. The American Nightmare lost the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions, and WWE could decide to give him another opportunity before SummerSlam. If that happens, Rhodes has a realistic chance of regaining the title.

That said, Sami’s reign could simply be a feel-good moment rather than a lengthy one. A title change at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Madison Square Garden would allow WWE to put the championship back on Cody while still giving Zayn his moment in Riyadh.

It would also help set up Cody’s next rivalry. Rhodes still has unfinished business with Randy Orton following WrestleMania 42. If the QB1 regains the Undisputed WWE Championship before SummerSlam, WWE could finally revisit that storyline with The Viper challenging him for the title.

#3. Gunther

Gunther has every reason to demand another opportunity at the Undisputed WWE Championship. The Ring General came up short at Night of Champions, but that does not necessarily mean his title pursuit is over, as he wasn’t pinned. WWE could easily book a singles match between Gunther and Zayn before SummerSlam. The former World Heavyweight Champion is still one of the biggest threats on SmackDown.

He built a lot of momentum by retiring John Cena and AJ Styles, and defeating Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42. While his recent losses have slowed him down, another title shot would not feel out of place.

If WWE wants Sami Zayn’s reign to be a short one, Gunther is a realistic choice to dethrone him. It would also allow The Ring General to regain the momentum he has lost over the past few weeks.

#2. Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre has always had Sami Zayn’s number. The Scottish Warrior holds an 11-0 record against Zayn, making him one of the few WWE Superstars the new champion has never been able to overcome. That alone makes Drew a dangerous challenger if he returns before SummerSlam.

A returning Drew could immediately set his sights on the Undisputed WWE Championship. Given his history with Zayn, he would have a strong claim that the champion has never been able to beat him.

That said, WWE could use that story to end Sami’s reign. If the company wants the Canadian star’s title run to be a short one, McIntyre would be a believable choice to dethrone him while continuing his dominance over his longtime rival.

#1. Brock Lesnar could dethrone Sami Zayn

Brock Lesnar could be another superstar capable of ending Sami Zayn’s reign before SummerSlam. Paul Heyman could use his influence to secure Lesnar a title match before SummerSlam.

That said, WWE has a bigger story it could tell. Lesnar could defeat Sami Zayn for the championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, Oba Femi could hold off on announcing which world champion he plans to challenge after winning the King of the Ring Tournament.

Once Brock wins the title, the decision becomes easy. The Ruler could choose Lesnar for SummerSlam, setting up the rubber match between the two. Oba defeated Brock at WrestleMania 42 before losing the rematch at Clash in Italy, making a third encounter for the Undisputed WWE Championship a fitting way to settle the rivalry.