The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, set to take place in Riyadh in just a few days, has fans eagerly speculating on who will emerge victorious in both the men’s and women’s matches. While there are several contenders on the women’s side, the men’s event demands a clear frontrunner who can deliver an unforgettable WrestleMania main event. Sami Zayn stands out as that key figure, with many reasons pointing to why this should be the moment he captures the Royal Rumble victory. Despite already having a WWE Championship match scheduled against Drew McIntyre at the upcoming PLE, winning that bout does not seem to be the best path forward.
WWE has various stars it could elevate to the main WrestleMania spotlight, but the unique chance to create a compelling underdog storyline centers on Zayn.
Sami Zayn’s Career: A Champion in Many Ways, But Not Yet the Top Titleholder
Sami Zayn, born Rami Sebei, first gained widespread attention with his NXT Championship win but has yet to claim a world title on either Raw or SmackDown. Over his decade on WWE’s main roster, Zayn has built a reputation as a resilient and entertaining competitor, engaging in memorable rivalries, especially with his longtime friend Kevin Owens. Additionally, his comedic timing breathed fresh life into the Bloodline storyline, which was previously viewed as stagnant.
After gaining fame in the independent wrestling scene as El Generico, Zayn made a high-profile NXT debut in 2013, soon becoming a fan favorite known for his determination and likable persona. Despite impressive runs and multiple title pursuits, his absence of a world championship reign has become part of his enduring character.
His accolades include championships such as the Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team titles, but the elusive main title remains just out of reach. Setting his sights on Cody Rhodes’ WWE Championship, Zayn’s ambitions are substantial, though it appears his journey to the top title must follow a different route.
Why Zayn Should Drop the WWE Title Match But Clinch the Royal Rumble
Sami Zayn secured a shot at the WWE Championship through a victory over Randy Orton, Trick Williams, and Damian Priest during Saturday Night’s Main Event. This earned him a match against Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble. While some believe that this match represents the right occasion for Zayn to capture the title—especially given the event’s location in Riyadh, which holds significance for Zayn and his Muslim fans—the timing and story progression suggest otherwise.
Drew McIntyre only recently regained the WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes, so a quick title loss would undermine his momentum. Instead, a richer storyline unfolds if Zayn loses the title match early in the night, appearing disheartened but ultimately refusing to give up. Fueled by his inner strength and faith, Zayn would then enter the Royal Rumble match later that night, battling through the competition and ultimately knocking out a figure such as Roman Reigns to claim victory.
Though the Royal Rumble win is technically not a world title, it carries immense significance by setting up Zayn as a legitimate main event star heading to WrestleMania 42. This would finally allow him to headline WWE’s biggest show, where losing once more would no longer make sense.
“Sami Zayn may have feuded with some of these superstars on WWE TV, but in reality he loves them.” ?Wrestling Insider
Sami Zayn’s Royal Rumble Victory Could Revitalize WrestleMania’s Biggest Stage
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, WWE faces a shortage of thrilling, can’t-miss marquee matches. With John Cena absent, Brock Lesnar not at his peak, and a Rock vs. Roman Reigns showdown not in the picture, the card lacks a defining main event with star power and emotional investment. Other options include Roman Reigns winning the Rumble to face World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, or a triple threat between Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu.
However, none of these scenarios promise the emotional resonance or underdog appeal that Sami Zayn would bring. His story parallels the groundbreaking moments created by Daniel Bryan’s “YES!” movement and Kofi Kingston’s “Kofimania,” both of which culminated in historic WrestleMania victories that defined their careers and thrilled audiences.
Who Zayn faces at WrestleMania is less important than his presence in the main event itself. Potential challengers include Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, or even CM Punk. The emphasis is on the man himself finally breaking through to headline WWE’s grandest stage. For Sami Zayn, capturing the Royal Rumble title in Riyadh would mark a career-defining moment and set the stage for what must be the pinnacle of his journey: becoming a world champion at WrestleMania 42.
“It’s only fitting that Zayn is next. Who he faces isn’t important. It could be Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, or Jacob Fatu on the SmackDown side. Maybe it’s CM Punk or someone else on Raw. There is no feud that stands out more than the other. It’s the man who matters.” ?Wrestling Analyst
