Kevin Owens Targets Sami Zayn's Undisputed WWE Championship On SmackDown

Kevin Owens interrupts Sami Zayn and demands an Undisputed WWE Championship match on SmackDown.© NDTV Library

Kevin Owens wants Sami Zayn's Undisputed WWE Championship, and he said it straight to the champion's face on the November 13 episode of SmackDown. Zayn's segment got interrupted by Owens, who had just beaten CM Punk in a No Holds Barred Match and turned his focus pretty fast toward his longtime friend. He also blamed Zayn for costing him a championship opportunity, and he believes taking the title is the only way to settle their unfinished business.

"I NEED to take this title from you" ???? @FightOwensFight with STRONG words for Sami Zayn! https://t.co/604cMUmqFx

— WWE (@WWE) November 14, 2026

Kevin Owens Praises Sami Zayn Before Making His World Championship Intentions Clear

Zayn came out with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae, and talked about his recent encounter with Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel. He claimed that pushing Reigns to his limit got him the respect he wanted from The OTC.

Then Owens walked out, and his first words weren't what Zayn might have expected. The former Universal Champion praised him, saying he had been a fan of Zayn for 25 years despite their complicated professional history.

Owens also argued Zayn deserved recognition from fellow WWE stars and the audience, but his tone changed when he brought up his 17-month absence and the championship opportunity he failed to convert after returning.

He blamed Zayn for his loss to CM Punk in August and said he wanted to settle the score inside the ring. WWE's official SmackDown highlights described Owens' demand as an insistence that he was next in line for an Undisputed WWE Title opportunity.

Johnny Gargano Gets Involved as Kevin Owens Sends a Warning to the WWE Champion

Things took another turn when Gargano stepped between the two men. He argued that he deserved the next championship opportunity and that Zayn was already working to get him one. Owens brushed him aside and made it clear Gargano wasn't part of his conversation with the champion.

Gargano answered by attacking Owens from behind, and Candice LeRae joined the assault. Zayn chose to leave the ring rather than get involved. Owens did recover eventually and hit Gargano with a Stunner.

Next he picked up a microphone and gave the champion one final warning: “I will be the one to end it.” Owens also told Zayn his championship reign was on borrowed time. WWE's official highlights featured the confrontation as Owens' demand for an Undisputed WWE Title Match.

No championship match got confirmed in the segment, but Owens made his target clear. Gargano also remains interested in getting shot at Zayn's title, so the champion has more than one possible challenger.