Drew McIntyre is set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble this Saturday in Riyadh. Sami Zayn earned this title opportunity by winning a four-way match on January 24’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, besting Damian Priest, Trick Williams, and Randy Orton, positioning himself for one of the biggest matches of his career.
Although McIntyre has dominated Zayn in their past encounters with a perfect 12-0 record, this match carries more weight than a simple routine triumph. Zayn, once a United States Champion for 49 days and a beloved figure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, approaches this challenge not as a mere underdog but as a contender with emotional and cultural significance. This build-up intensified after McIntyre attacked Zayn post-match, but Zayn managed to avoid harm and later responded to McIntyre’s harsh comments, including a personal jibe about his parenting, with a backstage slap during SmackDown on January 23.
Evaluating the Potential Impact of a Dominant Victory
Despite the lopsided win-loss tally favoring McIntyre, many fans might wrongly assume this match will be a straightforward challenge. However, wrestling analyst Sam Roberts discussed on the Notsam Wrestling podcast why a quick or one-sided victory for McIntyre could have negative consequences for both wrestlers.
“I completely disgree. I don’t think it would enhance anything. That’s not the character Drew is. He’s not Oba Femi. That’s not Drew’s character. People aren’t worried about Drew because he’s gonna kill you in five minutes. People are worried about Drew because, yes, he’s powerful. He’s strong, but he knows all the wrestling moves. He knows how to get out of the wrestling moves. He knows how to win wrestling matches and he’s smart. So, no. I mean, beating Sami Zayn in Riyadh is gonna be enough heat; 8-10 minutes is just like…it wouldn’t be giving Drew McIntyre all this heat. It would be burying Sami Zayn for absolutely no reason.” – Sam Roberts, Wrestling Analyst
Roberts argues that McIntyre’s reputation comes from his skill and intelligence in the ring, not just brute force. A swift “squash” match would not add value to McIntyre’s character but instead risk damaging Zayn’s standing, which could affect future storylines and fan investment in both competitors.
Sami Zayn’s Journey and His Role at Royal Rumble
Sami Zayn’s journey to this championship bout highlights a long-standing dream to rise above mid-card status to the world title scene. Although sidelined for much of last year in less prominent feuds, this opportunity reflects his persistence and growing popularity, especially among international audiences like those in Saudi Arabia. His ability to channel personal challenges, including McIntyre’s disparaging comments about his family, adds emotional depth to their rivalry.
This match could redefine Zayn’s position in WWE, either by proving his credibility as a top contender or risking his momentum if handled poorly. The Royal Rumble stage, with its global attention, amplifies the stakes involved for both superstars.
The Broader Context of Royal Rumble Developments
The Royal Rumble event also features other notable storylines, such as Seth Rollins’ anticipated return and Brock Lesnar’s surprise announcement to participate via a video call with Pat McAfee. These backdrop stories add layers of excitement and unpredictability to the event, raising expectations for all featured matches.
Why This Match’s Outcome Matters
The decision on how to present the McIntyre-Zayn match goes beyond immediate entertainment; it impacts WWE’s future booking and character arcs. A balanced contest that showcases both performers’ strengths would maintain McIntyre’s status as a savvy champion while preserving Zayn’s credibility and chance for growth.
Given the tension and narrative crafted around this bout, simply “squashing” Sami Zayn could squander the emotional investment from fans and reduce the match’s lasting significance. The Royal Rumble in Riyadh offers a platform for both men to elevate their legacies, making the match’s booking crucial for WWE’s storytelling moving forward.
