Sami Zayn Wins WWE Title vs. Cody Rhodes, Gunther at Night of Champions

Sami Zayn defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a Triple Threat match at Night of Champions on Saturday to win the WWE Championship for the first time in his career.

Cody hit Sami and Gunther with a Cross Rhodes at the same time, but when Rhodes attempted to finish off Zayn with a second Cross Rhodes, Sami rolled him up for the shock victory:

Rhodes has simultaneously been involved in rivalries with Gunther and Zayn for weeks, and things finally came to a head on last week's episode of SmackDown.

Cody put the WWE title on the line against Gunther following a controversial finish to their match at Clash in Italy, which saw Rhodes win despite Gunther's leg being underneath the rope during the pinfall.

Given the questionable result, Gunther pushed to have the right to choose the referee for the rematch, and when SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis granted it to him, The Ring General went with Zayn.

There was some thought that Zayn would cost Rhodes the match due to their recent issues, but Gunther drew Sami's ire instead when he questioned his officiating during the bout.

While Rhodes was trying to turn Gunther over for a sunset flip, Zayn kicked Gunther's hands off the ropes and then did a fast count in favor of Cody.

A furious Gunther appealed to Aldis and Rhodes even called for the match to be restarted, but Zayn re-entered the ring and attacked Gunther, causing a disqualification.

When Rhodes attempted to step in, Zayn laid him out with the WWE title belt as well, prompting The American Nightmare to ask Aldis for a Triple Threat at Night of Champions.

Aldis obliged, thus facing Rhodes with arguably the toughest task of his third reign as WWE champion.

It ultimately caught up with him, as Zayn prevailed to become WWE champion for the first time, setting off a raucous celebration in Saudi Arabia.