At SNME XLIII last weekend, Sami Zayn won the fatal four-way #1 contender match, earning a shot at Drew McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship at the upcoming Royal Rumble. This match will be critical as Zayn aims to dethrone McIntyre and capture the title.
The Battle of Wits and Words Heats Up on SmackDown
During the SmackDown episode before SNME, Sami Zayn presented his characteristic energetic and humorous side to the audience. However, his tone shifted to seriousness to show his determination in claiming the championship. Toward the end of the show, Zayn confronted Damian Priest backstage and then took a surprise jab at Drew McIntyre, signaling a confident mind game before their high-stakes encounter. Known as the Scottish Warrior, McIntyre recently fulfilled a long-standing goal by winning the Undisputed WWE Title from Cody Rhodes.
Sami Zayn Issues a Direct Response to Drew McIntyre’s Challenge
After Drew McIntyre expressed his readiness to defeat Zayn this weekend, the challenger fired back by sharing a clip from their backstage encounter on SmackDown. Sami tweeted plainly,
“Not if I see you first my dawg.”
This retort reflects the growing tension and rivalry ahead of the Royal Rumble bout.
Zayn’s Championship Journey and Stakes at Royal Rumble
Last year, Zayn added the United States Championship to his accolades for the first time, defending it repeatedly against numerous challengers on SmackDown before eventually losing to Ilja Dragunov in October 2025. He also previously pursued the WWE Championship, challenging Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber 2023. His behavior on SmackDown last week demonstrated his willingness to use all means necessary to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship. A victory at the Royal Rumble would make Zayn a WWE Grand Slam Champion, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Anticipation Builds for a High-Stakes Royal Rumble Event
The men’s Royal Rumble match is filled with top contenders vying for a chance to compete for either the World Title or the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. The showdown between Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre stands as one of the event’s key highlights, with both competitors poised to leave a lasting impact on WWE’s championship landscape.
Not if I see you first my dawg. https://t.co/OCzM1YQxq4 pic.twitter.com/XhN3WCV140
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) January 28, 2026
