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Sami Zayn Tipped To Retain Undisputed WWE Championship Amidst Shifting Fan and Colleague Perceptions

Despite previous doubts, the prevailing sentiment suggests WWE needs Sami Zayn as champion, leading to predictions of his retention against Cody Rhodes on Raw. His 'beatable' champion status is seen as a strategic asset for the company.

Hamza AwanBy Hamza AwanFounder & Editor
2 min read

The prevailing perception surrounding Sami Zayn's championship status is that he is beatable, making him the ideal figure to lead WWE currently. This comes after a significant shift in expectations, with many fans and industry colleagues, including those at, having previously counted Zayn out of the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.

Despite a staff consensus predicting otherwise, Zayn pinned Cody Rhodes at Night of Champions to capture his first world title. Now, less than ten days later, Zayn is set to defend the championship against Rhodes in a rematch on Raw. While some, like Cain A. Knight, view the rushed title match as a negative sign indicating a potential loss for Zayn, others are revising their predictions.

One prediction stands firm: Sami Zayn will retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. The method of retention is uncertain, but the outcome is seen as strategically beneficial for WWE. This move comes at a time when the World Heavyweight Championship picture appears to be focused on a future showdown between Roman Reigns and Oba Femi.

The unique position of Zayn as champion has already generated interest and speculation, as noted by former WWE star Stevie Richards on The Stevie Richards Show. Richards highlighted Zayn's perceived vulnerability as a strategic advantage.

Sami can get beat because… he has been beat almost to dust.

Richards suggested that Zayn's 'beatable' nature could entice fans to tune in, hoping for a title change. He also drew parallels to the Honky Tonk Man's lengthy Intercontinental Championship reign in 1987, which began as an upset win over Ricky Steamboat. Honky Tonk Man successfully frustrated opponents and fans alike, outmaneuvering stars like Randy Savage and Jake Roberts before eventually losing the title to the Ultimate Warrior at SummerSlam 1988.

Similarly, Zayn's current reign could serve to elevate a future challenger. If WWE leans into a heelish direction for Zayn, the eventual winner would receive a hero's reception. Conversely, if Zayn remains a plucky underdog face, the villain who ends his fairy-tale story would gain significant heat, positioning them for a substantial run or setting up another star for a crowning moment. Zayn's championship reign offers WWE creative options and buys them time as they navigate future booking decisions, injecting uncertainty into what might otherwise be predictable storylines.

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Hamza Awan

About the author

Hamza Awan

Founder & Editor

I'm Hamza Awan, founder of The Final Bell. I cover WWE with verified reporting, fan polls, and analysis written for people who actually watch the shows — not for algorithms. More about Hamza

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