Drew McIntyre won the WWE Championship on SmackDown, defeating Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match inside a steel cage. His victory was celebrated by the crowd in Berlin, Germany, marking him as a four-time world champion.
Now, questions arise about how long McIntyre will keep the title and who might take it from him. Many speculate that Rhodes could reclaim the championship before WrestleMania 42, but some think another popular wrestler on SmackDown might take the lead.
Underdog Picked to Challenge McIntyre
The Royal Rumble is approaching, with the winner earning a main event spot at WrestleMania against a champion of their choice. Roman Reigns is currently favored to win the men’s Rumble, but Bron Breakker and newcomer Oba Femi are also contenders.
However, fans are cheering for Sami Zayn, who has never held a world title. He previously expressed his desire to become a world champion, and many are hoping he fulfills that ambition.
ProWFinesse on X suggested Zayn should win the Rumble: “2026 Royal Rumble winner. He needs to win the title he’s never won. He must beat the man who he hasn’t beaten.”
Another fan expressed optimism for Zayn’s victory at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada: “Sami Zayn will be a grand slam champion at Mania bro I’m MANIFESTING it.”
Commentator Just Alyx detailed why Zayn should win the world title: “Sami Zayn is my pick to win the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble. It’s time for him to win the WWE Championship. He was ready back in 2023 when he turned on Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.”
He said, “For too long, he has been stuck in midcard. The 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia is the perfect stage for him to finally win it.”
Another fan mentioned the storyline potential of Kevin Owens returning to celebrate Zayn’s win: “Sami Zayn. It has the best story. Sami has never won the main championship and he’s never defeated Drew, so Sami wins the Royal Rumble and defeats Drew. Then Kevin comes out to celebrate Sami’s win.”
Zayn previously competed for the world title, losing to Reigns at Elimination Chamber 2023 in his hometown of Montreal. His popularity soared after he joined the Bloodline but then turned against Reigns.
Sami Zayn Discusses Title Prospects
Zayn has addressed the possibility of becoming world champion and if Triple H would support him. He spoke to The Daily Mail’s Alex McCarthy in May 2024:
“It’s a double edged sword. He might see me as a contender, but I could also just win the title unexpectedly. I strive to deliver the best performances and tell compelling stories, hoping that leads to success. I want to win the world title before I’m done, but I don’t let that define my career. I appreciate the support and hope it happens.”
Sami Zayn after a WWE match
Zayn has not yet beaten McIntyre, which could add an interesting narrative as WrestleMania 42 approaches if he wins the Rumble. Underdog stories, like those of Daniel Bryan and Rey Mysterio, have often resonated well with audiences.
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