Kevin Owens, currently sidelined due to neck surgery, has taken to social media to express his admiration for Sami Zayn’s recent triumph on SmackDown. Owens praises Sami Zayn’s victory after Zayn claimed the United States Championship in a major showdown against Solo Sikoa.
Kevin Owens Reflects on His Friendship and Rivalry with Sami Zayn
Despite Owens’ absence from active competition, his connection with Sami Zayn remains prominent. The two longtime friends, known for their contrasting personalities, became a fan-favorite duo by capturing the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship from The Usos at WrestleMania 39. This moment was part of Cody Rhodes‘ overarching storyline opposing Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.
Prior to his hiatus for neck surgery, Owens and Zayn engaged in a heated feud, highlighted by a brutal unsanctioned match at WWE Elimination Chamber. This rivalry further intensified when Randy Orton confronted Owens, setting in motion their own conflict. Plans were in place for a match between Owens and Orton at WrestleMania 41, but Owens was forced to withdraw due to injury, leaving his comeback date uncertain.
Sami Zayn’s SmackDown Move and US Title Win
Sami Zayn’s recent transfer to SmackDown positioned him as a significant threat to Solo Sikoa and his faction. Earlier aligned with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline in 2022, Zayn’s allegiances have shifted, leading him to challenge Sikoa directly for the United States Championship—an accolade he had never secured before.
In a high-stakes main event, Zayn defeated Sikoa to capture the US Title, marking a pivotal milestone in his WWE career. This achievement drew praise not only from WWE official Triple H but also from Kevin Owens, who took to Twitter to commend Zayn’s accomplishment.
Kevin Owens’ Candid Praise for Sami Zayn’s WWE Success
Owens’s message to Zayn was laced with his trademark humor and affection, revealing a complicated but deep respect for his friend and rival. On social media, Owens wrote:
“One of the best indeed… Top 1, in my opinion. I still hate him though. Or maybe not. I don’t know, it’s hard to remember. Depends on the day, I guess. We’ll see what happens. One thing I do know for sure is that he’s the best.” — Kevin Owens, WWE Star
This statement highlights the unique dynamic between the two wrestlers—balancing rivalry with genuine admiration. Owens’ acknowledgment underscores Zayn’s skill and status, even while playfully questioning their relationship.
Ongoing Storylines and What This Means for WWE’s Future
The interference by the Muscle & Fitness Titans (MFTs) during Zayn’s title win created chaos in the main event, as Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu stepped in to even the match’s outcome. This development hints at further escalating tensions within SmackDown and the broader WWE narrative.
Owens’ current recovery means that his future matchups and storylines remain on hold, but his public support for Zayn’s victory signals continued involvement in WWE’s evolving drama. With WrestleMania 41 on the horizon, fans are eager to see how Owens’ return might intersect with Zayn’s newly established reign and ongoing rivalries involving The Bloodline, The MFTs, and other key players like Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.
