There’s something interesting going on with Sami Zayn. The newest name to join the WWE SmackDown roster is in an angle that is based on his quest to become a WWE Champion. This is something that should happen. It’s an idea that fans have wanted to see for years. It finally seems like that outcome is ahead. The story for Sami Zayn to get there should pick up steam at none other than The Royal Rumble, where the Canadian should be the last man standing in the ring.
WWE needs to build a character that the fans can get behind. Someone who doesn’t have any controversy. Someone who doesn’t have to face any debates about their contributions throughout their career. Just an overall, genuine, babyface champion. Sami Zayn is that guy and it is time to see him elevated to that position.
The 2026 Royal Rumble is set for Saudi Arabia. Even though the controversy surrounding WWE’s partnership with the Saudi Arabian government will not go away, this is still going to be a huge event. It’s an area where Sami Zayn has received loud reactions in the few times he’s been allowed to travel there to perform. WWE is still months away from the show that starts the Road to WrestleMania, but this is the start to build that momentum for him to get his huge victory.
While a loud contingent of fans complained about Jey Uso’s Royal Rumble win in 2025, it was still a surprising moment. It was a moment that caught the fanbase off guard because it is rare to see WWE elevate someone into the main event scene. Uso’s win creates the hope that Zayn could get a similar moment and set off his path to that WrestleMania win. Zayn closing the show with the championship over his head is one of those moments that will live forever. One of those rare moments that WWE's booking works out in a way that everyone would approve.
Sami Zayn is one of the few “good” guys in professional wrestling. After more than a decade with the WWE, it seems like it is his time to rise to the top. If he is truly going to win a world championship, that path needs to begin with winning the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble.