Sami Zayn scores his fifth consecutive United States Championship defense on SmackDown

Since Sami Zayn was crowned United States Champion just over a month ago, he has dedicated each week on SmackDown to issuing an open challenge for the title. Tonight, Zayn faced a tough challenge against Aleister Black and managed to achieve his fifth consecutive defense. However, the victory was controversial, as the champion retained thanks to the intervention of Damian Priest.

Initially, Sami Zayn's open challenge was once again answered by Carmelo Hayes. However, before the bell could ring, The Miz attacked Hayes from behind with a Skull Crushing Finale on the ramp, leaving him out of action. Aleister Black then appeared to pick up the microphone and immediately accept the title challenge in his place.

The match was a chaotic duel where both men gave their best. However, in the final moments, the champion retained thanks to the distraction caused by Damian Priest, who appeared at ringside. Sami Zayn took advantage of the confusion to hit a Helluva Kick followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb, thus securing his fifth consecutive title defense.

However, the action did not end with the bell. After the match, an exhausted Sami Zayn retreated backstage, leaving Damian Priest and Aleister Black alone in the ring. Priest proceeded to brutally attack his rival, executing a devastating Razor's Edge that destroyed the announce table.