WWE officials were split over Sami Zayn’s shocking title win over CM Punk on SmackDown in Mexico City - Report
(Courtesy : WWE)
Sami Zayn’s unexpected WWE Championship victory reportedly faced internal opposition.
Sami Zayn stunned WWE fans on the September 11 episode of Friday Night SmackDown by regaining the Undisputed WWE Championship from CM Punk in Mexico City. The title change came after a chaotic match involving Kevin Owens, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae.
Zayn secured the victory after striking Punk with the Undisputed WWE Championship while the referee was distracted by Gargano. He then followed up with a Helluva Kick to claim the three-count and become a two-time Undisputed WWE Champion.
The sudden switch appeared to catch fans off guard, but according to Dave Meltzer, the decision was part of WWE’s broader storyline plans. However, the Wrestling Observer Radio report also suggests that the creative direction was not universally supported backstage.
Dave Meltzer reveals opposition to Sami Zayn’s title win
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Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer explained that the title change was made because WWE has a longer-term storyline in mind for Zayn and Punk. While the bigger picture is reportedly expected to become clearer as the story progresses, there were people within WWE who did not agree with the decision.
“With the Sami Zayn thing, the basic gist was they have a storyline that will make sense when you look back on it, is what I was told. When it’s all said and done this will all make sense. There was certainly people who were against it but they did it. And that was that,” Meltzer said.
The report provides an interesting insight into the creative process behind one of the more surprising title changes of the year. Rather than being an abrupt decision, the switch was reportedly made with a specific storyline destination in mind.
Sami Zayn begins his second Undisputed WWE Championship reign
The victory marked Zayn’s second reign as Undisputed WWE Champion. His first run with the championship was notably brief, lasting only nine days after he defeated Kevin Owens at Night of Champions.
Zayn subsequently lost the title to CM Punk on the July 6 episode of Monday Night Raw. Punk captured the championship in his return match, setting the stage for his latest reign before Zayn reclaimed the gold in Mexico City.
The latest title change now leaves WWE with several directions to explore, particularly given Punk’s involvement and the interference surrounding their match. If Meltzer’s report is accurate, the company believes the larger storyline will eventually provide the explanation for Zayn’s unexpected return to the top of the card.
For now, Zayn is once again at the center of WWE’s Undisputed Championship picture, while questions remain over how long his second reign will last and what role CM Punk will play moving forward.
Did Sami Zayn win the Undisputed WWE Championship again?
Yes. Zayn defeated CM Punk on the September 11 episode of SmackDown to become a two-time Undisputed WWE Champion.
Were WWE officials reportedly against Sami Zayn winning the title?
According to Dave Meltzer, there was some opposition to the title change within WWE, although the company ultimately went ahead with the decision.
How long was Sami Zayn’s first title reign?
Zayn’s first Undisputed WWE Championship reign lasted nine days before CM Punk defeated him on the July 6 episode of Monday Night Raw.
How long was Sami Zayn’s first title reign?
Zayn’s first Undisputed WWE Championship reign lasted nine days before CM Punk defeated him on the July 6 episode of Monday Night Raw.
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