Backstage report explains botched Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens finish on SmackDown in Corpus Christi
Sami Zayn retained the Undisputed WWE title against Kevin Owens in the main event of this past Friday’s SmackDown in Corpus Christi, Texas, a finish that featured a visibly botched pinfall sequence that circulated widely online. A backstage update from Fightful Select has offered an explanation for why the finish was altered mid-sequence.
Two weeks earlier in Mexico City, Zayn pinned CM Punk in the SmackDown main event to regain the Undisputed WWE title and begin his second World title reign; his first reign lasted nine days. Owens was placed into an impromptu title match after pressing GM Nick Aldis, reminding him that Zayn had cost Owens the title shot against Punk in Quebec. The Corpus Christi bout was presented as a last-minute defence for Zayn rather than a previously scheduled title match.
The closing stages of the match featured outside interference from Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae and CM Punk, with Punk’s re-entry into the ring setting up the finish that ultimately left Zayn as champion. The sequence ended with confusion in the ring and debate over the referee’s actions during the pin attempt. A short video of the ending spread rapidly on social platforms.
Fightful Select’s account describes the sequence in detail: Gargano attempted to strike Owens with the title belt, Owens retaliated with a Stunner, and LeRae distracted the referee as Punk entered. According to the report, Punk attacked Owens with the belt in what Fightful framed as payback for Owens having used the belt on Punk during Punk’s earlier title defence against Zayn. Those interventions directly preceded the disputed pinfall.
After Punk’s belt shot, Zayn went for a cover and Owens reacted with an awkward kick out, merely lifting a shoulder; many viewers noted the referee appeared to stop the count before Owens’ shoulder moved. Zayn then delivered the Helluva Kick, made another cover and was awarded the pinfall to retain the title. A clip of the finish was circulated online with the caption: "SAMI ZAYN RETAINS AMIDST ABSOLUTE CHAOS IN THE RING! #WWE #SMACKDOWN pic.twitter.com/cvpZZC9uHF".
Fightful’s backstage update states the planned finish called for Owens not to kick out after the belt shot by Punk and for the match to end at that point, but the referee did not call for the bell, forcing an on-the-fly change to the conclusion. That change is, according to the report, the reason the pinfall sequence unfolded in the irregular manner seen on the broadcast.
By retaining against Owens, Zayn reached nine days as champion; with SmackDown scheduled for this Friday he will surpass the length of his first World title reign.