Sami Zayn Thought WWE Title Hopes Were Over After McIntyre Loss

Sami Zayn began the year by facing Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. Following the defeat, Zayn believed his opportunity to become world champion had ended.

Zayn stated on a podcast that he started to accept the possibility of winning the title had passed him by. He noted that despite coming close during his involvement with The Bloodline, the underdog story felt worn out and his momentum had decreased.

Zayn explained that after the loss to McIntyre he concluded the Cinderella narrative of the persistent underdog finally winning the big one could not be repeated. He felt fans could only be drawn into that story a limited number of times and that the timing was no longer right.

Zayn reflected that he had already enjoyed a strong career and viewed a world title as an optional addition rather than an essential part of his legacy. He emphasized the need to consider the larger perspective beyond any single accomplishment.

Zayn later captured the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions. His first reign lasted nine days before CM Punk defeated him on SmackDown.

Zayn regained the title in September after securing revenge against Punk.