Brock Lesnar’s surprise comeback to WWE at the end of SummerSlam has sparked a great deal of discussion among fans, many of whom hold mixed views on his return. According to the Wrestling Observer, Lesnar has signed a short-term deal, indicating he is likely making only a few appearances as part of a plan to conclude his career. While his next major match will be against John Cena during his retirement tour, WWE appears to be considering other potential rivals to help craft a memorable end for the Beast Incarnate. One wrestler, Sami Zayn, is emerging as the top contender for that role.
The Ongoing History Between Lesnar and Zayn
Brock Lesnar’s interactions with Sami Zayn have involved several notable moments in recent years. Lesnar attacked Zayn during his last babyface run, and more recently at a SmackDown event, he interrupted Zayn’s United States Title match against John Cena by striking both with an F5. These encounters have established a clear history between the two, offering WWE a rich foundation for a compelling storyline.
Unlike other powerhouse competitors such as Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, or Jacob Fatu, who are often seen as obvious challengers to Lesnar, Zayn’s recurring involvement provides an opportunity to deepen the narrative. WWE could easily build upon their shared past to fuel a rivalry that feels both natural and emotionally engaging for fans. Zayn has yet to get retribution for the beatdowns he has suffered from Lesnar, which sets the stage for a storyline focused on payback and redemption.
Why Sami Zayn Fits as Lesnar’s Ideal Babyface Opponent
Lesnar’s wrestling career has been defined by his success against underdog babyface opponents who bring out the best in his in-ring style. Sami Zayn, as the current United States Champion, fits perfectly within this dynamic. Known for his ability to sell moves and make his adversaries look dominant, Zayn would showcase Lesnar’s monstrous presence while also delivering a high-quality match.
Throughout his career, Lesnar has excelled in matches against smaller but highly skilled wrestlers such as CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and AJ Styles. In all these bouts, Lesnar’s dominance was highlighted without diminishing his opponents’ credibility. Zayn’s proven talent and chemistry with Lesnar, especially visible in their promo work, would ensure their rivalry is engaging both inside and outside the ring. This pairing offers the chance for Lesnar’s final run to culminate in a memorable and impactful encounter.
The Potential Boost to Sami Zayn’s Career from Facing Lesnar
While Sami Zayn has occasionally stepped into main event scenarios, WWE has yet to consistently position him at the top tier of the company. A feud with Brock Lesnar could change this trajectory considerably. Facing Lesnar at the close of his career would grant Zayn a significant spotlight and an opportunity to capture a World Championship, something fans have long anticipated.
A carefully promoted storyline that highlights Lesnar’s career-ending tour with a defining match against Zayn could generate widespread excitement. Given Lesnar’s reputation as a dominant villain, Zayn would receive a substantial babyface reaction if he emerged victorious, permanently redefining his status in WWE. Historically, Zayn has often been booked as the “nearly man,” narrowly missing out on lasting success at the main event level. This rivalry could end that pattern and provide a much-needed breakthrough.
Defeating Lesnar would serve as the ultimate career milestone for Zayn, securing him not only the respect of fans but also legitimizing him as a main event star in WWE. Such a culmination would also benefit WWE leadership, particularly Triple H, who is tasked with developing compelling new headliners. This scenario leverages Lesnar’s star power while creating room for fresh talent like Zayn to establish themselves at the top, underscoring the importance of this potential rivalry for the future of WWE.
