Sami Zayn Won’t Win Royal Rumble Title—Here’s Why

Sami Zayn Royal Rumble
Sami Zayn challenges Drew McIntyre at Royal Rumble 2026 showdown. [Image Source: WWE]
RAW

Sami Zayn is set to face Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the 2026 Royal Rumble after winning a Fatal Four-Way No. 1 contender match last weekend during Saturday Night’s Main Event XLLII. Although fans anticipate Sami Zayn’s first triumph over McIntyre and a historic championship victory, the current indications suggest that WWE may not be prepared to award him the title just yet.

Paul Heyman’s SmackDown Comments Hint at Outcome

On the most recent episode of SmackDown, Paul Heyman made a revealing statement, asserting that Sami Zayn will not become champion the following night at Royal Rumble. During an in-ring segment featuring Zayn along with Randy Orton, Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, and The Vision, Heyman identified three wrestlers unlikely to win the Rumble, including Zayn. Given Heyman’s substantial influence within WWE’s Stamford headquarters, this declaration could be a strong foreshadowing that Drew McIntyre will retain his title for the time being.

Drew McIntyre’s Journey to Holding the Undisputed WWE Championship

Drew McIntyre finally captured the Undisputed WWE Championship earlier this year following a grueling Three Stages of Hell Match, aided by an unexpected interference from Jacob Fatu. Since then, McIntyre has solidified his position as a dominant heel on the SmackDown brand. Removing the championship from him too quickly risks weakening his credibility, especially against Sami Zayn, who would be facing McIntyre for the twelfth time. The timing for Zayn to win the title does not appear ideal right now.

Cody Rhodes’ Pursuit of a Title Rematch and Its Effect on the Rumble

After losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre on the January 9 SmackDown episode, Cody Rhodes is eager to reclaim the gold. Although McIntyre has publicly denied Rhodes a rematch, a Royal Rumble victory by Cody could place him firmly in position as the number one contender for WrestleMania 42. Considering this storyline, WWE’s creative team, led by Triple H, might opt to keep Drew McIntyre as champion to build toward a marquee rematch on WWE’s biggest stage. This scenario makes a title change at the Royal Rumble less likely, keeping fans guessing about upcoming developments.

Speculations and What to Expect Moving Forward

While these storylines offer a compelling case for why Sami Zayn probably will not dethrone Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble, it remains speculative until the event unfolds. The unfolding narrative balancing the Undisputed WWE Championship, Drew McIntyre’s reign, and the ambitions of top contenders like Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes will heavily influence WWE’s booking decisions. Fans will need to watch the Royal Rumble pay-per-view carefully to see how this critical chapter in the championship saga plays out.

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Michael jones
Michael jones
Michael Jones is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, dedicated to covering the WWE Raw Men’s Division. With one year of experience in pro wrestling journalism, he provides fans with up-to-date coverage of major matches, superstar rivalries, and evolving storylines from Monday Night Raw. Michael’s reporting dives into the personalities, promos, and pivotal moments that define the Raw brand, offering insights into character arcs, backstage developments, and pay-per-view buildup. He brings a fresh, detail-oriented perspective to his writing, aiming to inform, entertain, and connect readers to the energy and excitement of WWE’s flagship show. Whether it's a rising contender or a veteran champion, Michael highlights the key figures driving the Raw men’s division forward.