Sami Zayn Reflects On Losing To Roman Reigns At Elimination Chamber

Sami Zayn discussed his match against Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship at Elimination Chamber 2023 on the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast. Zayn faced Reigns in his hometown of Montreal after turning on the Bloodline by striking Reigns with a chair at the Royal Rumble.

He described the atmosphere inside the building for their title bout as a slam dunk. Zayn noted that fans were despondent after Reigns secured the victory to extend his 1,316-day reign. When asked whether he believed he should have won the match, Zayn expressed mixed feelings.

Zayn stated that at the time he thought there was a case to be made for him winning the championship. He added that looking back it was not ludicrous to argue he should have won and that anyone watching at the time could have made that argument.

Zayn referenced the timing and Cody being red hot as factors in the booking decision. He compared the conclusion of his match with Reigns to Bret Hart versus Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997, known as the Montreal Screwjob. Zayn attended that 1997 event as a 13-year-old fan.

Zayn remarked that it was a gift to evoke such emotions because that is what they really do as performers.