Sami Zayn is currently preparing for what is arguably the biggest night of his professional career.
At Elimination Chamber, in front of a packed house in his hometown of Montreal, Canada, Zayn will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The story between Zayn, Reigns, and The Bloodline has been in play since April 2022, when the former Intercontinental Champion sought to get on the right side of the group after feeling he’d lost credibility in the locker room.
This led to Zayn helping The Usos in their matches and eventually, much to the initial annoyance of Jey, being added to the group. However, despite being accepted by Jey in time, there were always hints that Reigns wasn’t entirely happy with the situation. After weeks of tension, and pleas from Kevin Owens for Zayn to stand up for himself, he smashed Reigns with a steel chair at the Royal Rumble.
With The Bloodline in chaos, Zayn challenged Reigns to a match at Elimination Chamber.
Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer explained how the match in Montreal was originally intended to set up a huge match for Zayn at WrestleMania 39. Meltzer added that Zayn has had a positive impact on television ratings in recent weeks.
“The original plan was for Zayn to lose, Jey Uso to turn on him and the Usos vs. Zayn & Owens at WrestleMania back many months. But a lot has changed since that time.
The key is that Zayn has become a major TV ratings mover. Sure, John Cena was for one-time appearances and Bray Wyatt was as well, and Reigns vs. Matt Riddle did a big number, but Zayn is not only moving quarters big, but the entire show. Smackdown is up, with or without Reigns and it’s clear Zayn is the reason why.”
Sami Zayn The New Mick Foley?
Sami Zayn’s rise backed by huge fan support has led to comparisons with WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. The Hardcore Legend also didn’t look like a stereotypical WWE Superstar but rose to become a multiple World Champion as fans got behind him.
Speaking in a recent interview, Zayn spoke of his admiration of the star and admitted that he was flattered by the comparison.