Update On Confusing End To WWE Title Match On SmackDown

Sami Zayn retained the Undisputed WWE Championship over Kevin Owens on Friday's episode of "WWE SmackDown." The manner in which he did so has been met with an abundance of question marks, however.

In the closing moments of the Zayn-Owens main event title clash, Candice LeRae hopped up to the apron to distract the referee. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, CM Punk blasted Owens with the Undisputed WWE Championship belt, only to be booted to the floor by Zayn. Zayn subsequently covered Owens, with the referee proclaiming that the challenger had kicked out at two, when his shoulders had actually stayed flat on the mat. Amidst the confusion and Zayn's shocked expression, Owens then crawled over to the corner, where Zayn nailed him with a Helluva Kick to secure a proper pinfall.

Fans have speculated that Owens forgot to kick out of the first pinning situation. According to Fightful Select, WWE sources have since indicated the opposite, claiming that the original finish called for Owens to stay down for the three count after being struck by the WWE title. When the referee didn't signal for the bell as planned, though, the outlet reports that the match finish had to be spontaneously changed.

Zayn regained the Undisputed WWE Championship one week prior by defeating CM Punk in another "SmackDown" main event. His first reign spanned a mere nine days before "The Second City Saint" made his surprise return to dethrone him on "Raw." Owens secured a title opportunity of his own against Punk in his respective return at WWE SummerSlam, but later fell short due to Zayn's interference.