Sami Zayn has pinned Shinsuke Nakamura to win the Intercontinental Championship for the third time!
In December 2021, Sami Zayn won a gauntlet match to become the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship. However, with champion Shinsuke Nakamura out of action due to hand injury, and Zayn’s issues with Johnny Knoxville, the star was forced to wait for his title opportunity.
But despite the frustration, Zayn made the most of his chance when it arrived pinning the former Royal Rumble winner.
During the match the momentum swung back and forth with both men enjoying periods of dominance. However, every time that Nakamura began to properly take control, Zayn systematically targeted his knee in an effort to slow the champion.
It was a strategy that eventually paid off after Zayn wrapped the injured knee around the ring post multiple times. The challenger swiftly returned to the ring pinning Nakamura to claim the win.
.@SamiZayn will do whatever it takes to capture the #ICTitle! @ShinsukeN#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/RyKL4dDDNK
— WWE (@WWE) February 19, 2022
On the February 11th episode of SmackDown, Nakamura and Rick Boogs had been guests on Zayn’s ‘In-Zayn’ talk show. During the segment, a jolt went up Boogs’ arm from his guitar playing and while the Japanese star checked on his friend, Zayn attacked Nakamura with a Helluva Kick.
Although Zayn has turned his attention, at least on WWE television, in recent weeks to the Intercontinental Championship, it appears that his feud with Johnny Knoxville looks set to continue.
A recent report claimed that Knoxville will return to the ring at WrestleMania 38 to challenge Zayn for his newly won championship.
While Knoxville’s appearances have been well received by fans, not everyone has been as enthusiastic. It has been reported that a WWE veteran was “livid” that the Jackass star was being allowed to wrestle.