Sami Zayn Pushed Hard for a WWE Title Shock at Royal Rumble 2026—Why WWE Shut It Down
Sami Zayn reportedly tried to flip WWE’s Royal Rumble 2026 plans at the very last minute—and the idea didn’t get far. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Zayn made multiple backstage pitches before and on the day of the Royal Rumble premium live event in Saudi Arabia, believing the moment was right for him to dethrone Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. Zayn felt his strong history in Saudi Arabia and his natural connection with the local crowd gave WWE a rare opportunity for a feel-good title switch.
The answer from Triple H and WWE’s creative team was firm: no.
Despite Zayn’s confidence and the buzz surrounding the matchup, WWE had no interest in changing course. McIntyre was always penciled in to retain, with Zayn positioned as a challenger designed to add drama rather than end the reign. Even with Zayn trying to sway opinions backstage, the long-term WrestleMania 42 roadmap took priority.
Meltzer noted that there were brief discussions about altering the match finish just hours before doors opened, suggesting the idea wasn’t instantly dismissed. Ultimately, however, WWE leadership decided sticking with McIntyre was the safest and smartest option.
While Zayn remains one of WWE’s most beloved babyfaces, there were concerns about the bigger picture. Drew McIntyre’s championship win over Cody Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match earlier this year was widely celebrated by fans and marked the payoff to a lengthy climb back to the top. Ending that reign so quickly would have risked undercutting months of momentum.
In the end, WWE stayed loyal to its original plan. Zayn got his spotlight, but McIntyre’s title reign survived—and the road to WrestleMania 42 remains firmly centered around the Scottish champion.
