Drew McIntyre secured the WWE Championship by escaping the steel cage and winning a dramatic Three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes on SmackDown in Berlin, thrilling the crowd and marking his fourth reign as world champion. As discussions now intensify around who could dethrone McIntyre, the focus keyword, Drew McIntyre WWE Championship, has become central to fans’ conversations, particularly with growing support for longtime underdog Sami Zayn.
Sami Zayn Emerges as Leading Challenger for McIntyre’s Title
With the WWE Royal Rumble fast approaching, speculation abounds over which superstar will position themselves for a WrestleMania main event and a shot at the championship. While Roman Reigns stands as the favorite to win the men’s Rumble, rising stars like Bron Breakker and Oba Femi have also been named as contenders gearing up for a major spotlight. Yet, momentum among the WWE fanbase appears to be gathering behind Sami Zayn, who until now has never captured a world title in his storied career.
Zayn, familiar with championship contention, previously challenged for the Undisputed WWE Championship against Roman Reigns at the Elimination Chamber 2023 in Montreal but fell short. After a memorable stint as part of The Bloodline, turning against the group’s Tribal Chief, Zayn’s popularity reached new heights, making him a compelling candidate for the top prize.
Online, advocates are voicing their desire to see Zayn’s underdog journey culminate with a championship victory. On social media, ProWFinesse called for Zayn to win the Rumble and finally clinch the elusive world title, emphasizing the significance of defeating
“the man who he hasn’t beaten.”
Another fan expressed their excitement for Zayn’s career milestone at the next WrestleMania, declaring,
“Sami Zayn will be a grand slam champion at Mania bro I’m MANIFESTING it.”
— Maniac, WWE Fan.
Wrestling analyst Just Alyx added thoughtful context, stating,
“Sami Zayn is my pick to win the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble. It’s long past time for him to win the WWE Championship. He’s been ready. Sami was ready back in 2023 when he turned on Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.”
— Just Alyx, Wrestling Commentator. Alyx further emphasized,
“For too long, it’s felt like he’s been stuck in the midcard because higher-ups were too afraid to fully invest in him. The 2026 Royal Rumble will be live in Saudi Arabia, and that’s the perfect stage for him to finally win it. If he’s in the Royal Rumble, he needs to win it.”
— Just Alyx, Wrestling Commentator.
Some fans have even begun speculating about storylines surrounding Sami Zayn’s breakthrough, envisioning dramatic moments such as Kevin Owens returning to embrace Zayn after a WrestleMania victory:
“Sami Zayn. It has the best story Sami has never won the main championship and he’s never defeated Drew So Sami wins Royal rumble and defeats Drew. Then Kevin (If he’s able to) comes out to celebrate Sami’s win.”
— WWE Fan.
Triple H’s Influence and Zayn’s Perspective on His Future
Zayn has openly discussed his aspirations and reservations regarding a prospective world title run, particularly under WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H. He spoke with Alex McCarthy from The Daily Mail, reflecting on the nuanced dynamics influencing his booking and potential rise.
“It’s kind of a double edged sword. He might see me in a way that lends itself more to being in that mix and possibly winning it. But on the other hand, I could have just slipped on a banana peel and won the world title. I just do my best. I just give the best performances I can give, I try to perform with as much emotion as possible and tell the best stories I can tell, and I hope that that eventually gets me there. I’d like to win the world title once before I call it a day, there’s no question, but I don’t live and die by that. It’d be great, and I really appreciate people saying they’d love to see it. I’d love to see it too, and I hope it happens, but if it doesn’t, thank you just the same, because it’s been amazing.”
— Sami Zayn, WWE Superstar.
This heartfelt statement reveals Zayn’s passion for storytelling and his gratitude toward fan support, resonating with many who see his hard work and emotional performances as deserving of recognition at the highest level. Zayn’s mention of possibly “slipping on a banana peel” humorously highlights the unpredictable nature of wrestling storylines.
Historical Context and the Allure of the Underdog
Over the years, WWE has often rewarded perseverance and captivated audiences with classic underdog tales—Daniel Bryan’s climb to world champion status and Rey Mysterio capturing the Royal Rumble in memory of Eddie Guerrero stand as emotional highlights in recent history. Zayn’s journey, shaped by years in the midcard and a key role in storylines involving figures like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, mirrors these celebrated trajectories.
Should Zayn win the upcoming Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, a compelling narrative could unfold leading into WrestleMania at the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada. With Drew McIntyre never having been defeated by Zayn, a showdown for the WWE Championship would not only further elevate both superstars but also give fans a new chapter in the ongoing saga of wrestling’s biggest prizes. The intrigue lies in whether the Scottish Warrior’s reign will survive another underdog’s rise or if WrestleMania’s grand stage will crown a new champion who has fought a long and winding road to the top.
While many believe Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns could ultimately reclaim the WWE Championship, the groundswell of support for Sami Zayn signals a hunger for fresh faces in the title picture. If Zayn can continue his momentum into the Royal Rumble and claim the win, the stage seems set for one of WWE’s most emotionally charged title matches in recent memory.
The coming months will determine whether Drew McIntyre’s reign as WWE Champion, achieved to thunderous applause in Berlin, will be ended by one of the promotion’s most beloved underdogs, or if new challengers such as Bron Breakker or Oba Femi will step into the spotlight. For now, fans remain vocal in championing Sami Zayn’s story, eagerly awaiting the next chapter on the road to WrestleMania.
