AJ Styles Doesn’t Want To See Sami Zayn Be A Transitional Champion: I Think He Is More Than Capable Of Being A World Champion

AJ Styles doesn’t want Sami Zayn to be a transitional champion in WWE.

Sami Zayn did the unthinkable at WWE Night of Champions 2026 when he defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther for the WWE Championship. He’s already got his first title defense against Cody Rhodes on the 7/6 WWE Raw.

Speaking on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ Styles discussed Sami’s title win. AJ doesn’t think the title should be changing hands frequently, and that he’s interested in seeing what Sami does next.

“I hate to think that this was something that is going to be a flip-flop. We don’t necessarily do that. It’s not good for business. But like what’s the next step? I’m not really sure, which makes it very interesting. What is going to happen next with Sami Zayn because SummerSlam, one of the big four PLEs, he’s going to be defending it. Who is that against? That’s the story. Who’s it going to be? Is it going to be Gunther? Is it going to be Cody? Is there somebody else? Is it LeBron? I don’t know.”

Later in the podcast, Styles said that he doesn’t want to see Sami as a transitional champion.

“I don’t want to see a transitional champion. I think that Sami’s more than capable of pulling off being a world champion and totally being the underdog here. But I don’t know what the next part of the story is. The great thing about that is that’s a good thing. That keeps me interested in what’s going to happen, the buildup to SummerSlam. That’s a good thing where I’m not so sure what’s going to happen. You got people worried about that Sami’s just going to be a transitional champion. He’s gonna win it just to lose it to who knows. I don’t think that is the best way to go about doing the storyline. I think there’s some magic to be made and I wish I was smart enough to figure it out. But I’m glad I’m not because I want to enjoy wrestling.”

Styles’ son, Avery Styles, also made his pro-wrestling debut recently. Fans can read more about it here.

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