New champion clashes with Johnny Gargano and Kevin Owens
Summary
– Sami Zayn was booked to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens
– Johnny Gargano demanded the next title opportunity after helping Zayn win the championship
– Zayn said Nick Aldis must treat every challenger equally
Sami Zayn’s first night as Undisputed WWE Champion quickly turned into another major challenge.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis introduced Zayn at the start of the show, but the new champion was unhappy with the mixed reaction from the Corpus Christi crowd.
Zayn said winning the championship represented justice, hope, and perseverance for people around the world. He also argued that Aldis should give other WWE Superstars the same opportunities he received during his title pursuit.
Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae then joined Zayn in the ring. Gargano reminded the champion that he and LeRae helped him defeat CM Punk the previous week.
Gargano claimed he was promised the next championship opportunity and asked for a match against Zayn that night. Zayn denied making a formal deal, although he said he would take care of Gargano.
Kevin Owens interrupted the conversation and argued that he deserved consideration as well. Owens pointed out his recent efforts to earn a title match and reminded Aldis that he had previously helped create the chaotic situation surrounding the championship.
Zayn also blamed Owens for accidentally striking him with the title during last week’s championship match. Owens insisted that his actions should not erase his claim to another opportunity.
Aldis eventually ended the argument by announcing that Zayn would defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Owens later that night.
The decision immediately put Zayn’s short title reign under pressure. After finally reaching the top of WWE, the new champion was forced to defend his championship against one of his closest former allies.
