At the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia, Drew McIntyre successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against long-time adversary Sami Zayn in the match just before the main event. Sami Zayn WWE Title Match was highly anticipated, as Zayn sought to break his losing streak and continue his unusual winning run in the region.
Sami Zayn’s Goals and Match Highlights
Going into the bout, Zayn carried three ambitions: to claim his first-ever victory over McIntyre, to capture the World Championship, and to maintain his winning momentum in Saudi Arabia. However, the match proved challenging as McIntyre dominated much of the contest, exerting control by physically overpowering Zayn around the ring.
Both competitors delivered their finishing moves, resulting in dramatic nearfalls. McIntyre landed a Claymore Kick on Zayn, but Zayn smartly managed to put his foot on the rope just before the three-count. Returning the favor, Zayn struck with his signature Helluva Kick, although he hesitated before pinning, which allowed McIntyre to recover and kick out.
Decisive Moments and Title Retention
The climax saw McIntyre powerbomb Zayn through the announcers’ table, displaying his strength and intensity. He capped off the assault with two Claymore Kicks to Zayn’s face, securing his championship retention and ending Sami Zayn’s undefeated streak in Saudi Arabia. This win marked McIntyre’s first successful title defense since becoming Undisputed WWE Champion.
Event Context and Related Highlights
The Royal Rumble 2026 also featured several historic moments, including Liv Morgan winning the Women’s Royal Rumble for the first time. Additionally, the event was notable for AJ Styles’ final WWE match, which ended with a loss to Drew McIntyre, concluding the career of a celebrated legend. Fans, still reeling from AJ’s retirement bout, looked to Sami Zayn for a morale boost heading into the championship contest.
Additional WWE News Following Royal Rumble
Behind the headline matches, other stories unfolded. A WWE performer suffered a severe injury during SmackDown, later sharing the impact on social media. Roman Reigns discussed his future with WWE and teased potential Bloodline reassembly, signaling ongoing storyline developments. AJ Styles confirmed his retirement from WWE sometime in 2026, though speculation continues about his exact timeline.
Veteran wrestlers also made surprise appearances, including a former WWE Women’s Champion returning after a two-month absence, and a popular WWE star from the developmental brand entering the Women’s Royal Rumble unexpectedly. In personal revelations, WWE legend CJ Perry shared a life-altering experience involving a jail incident, opening up to fans in a heartfelt manner.
Community Reactions and Future Prospects
The wrestling world expressed mixed emotions over AJ Styles’ retirement, with reactions ranging from sadness to admiration for his contributions to the sport. Prominent figures like Triple H have hinted that AJ Styles’ WWE career might not be fully over, leaving room for future appearances or involvement beyond active competition.
For Sami Zayn, this match stands as a pivotal moment in his WWE journey. The end of his Saudi Arabia winning streak will prompt reevaluation and perhaps renewed determination as he continues to chase world championship glory. McIntyre’s solid defense reinforces his status as the Undisputed WWE Champion and sets the stage for fresh rivalries to emerge in the coming months.
THROUGH THE TABLE!! 😱
Watch Royal Rumble LIVE on the @espn app: https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxt pic.twitter.com/NVguvgl8Ck
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026
