Sami Zayn Fails to Win WWE Undisputed Universal Championship

Sami Zayn put on an amazing show Saturday night in front of his Montreal hometown crowd. He did everything but win the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship at Elimination Chamber, even sending Roman Reigns reeling to close the show with a Helluva Kick. However, as great as the night was and as much as Zayn knows his moment was one that will be remembered for years to come, he noted he felt “strange and strangely detached” in his media confernece avail after the WWE premium live event.

The unbeatable champion in Roman Reigns — who has held the titles for more than 900 days — was taken to his limits by the undeniable underdog in Zayn. The crowd was clearly behind the former Honorary Uce and he gave them a reason to be proud, taking the offense to The Head of the Table and kicking out of almost every attempted pin by the champion. There multiple moments that the fans believed Zayn might actually pull of the upset and punch his ticket to WrestleMania 39. It didn’t pan out that way, and while he’ll be at The Showcase of the Immortals, it seems more likley Zayn will team with Kevin Owens and take on The Usos than it does he’ll be added to the main event of Roman vs. Cody Rhodes.

Zayn told the media it’s hard in today’s day and age to create content that is memorable. Being good is not enough anymore in WWE because “everyone here is pretty darn good.” His goal is to try and create moments that last and can be remembered. He feels he’s done that with his storyline with The Bloodline and he notes, “it’s not even over yet.”

To close the show, there are questions about what happens with Jey Uso. He was clearly not supportive of Roman’s tactics, but he also took an inadvertent spear from Sami Zayn towards the end of the match. Will Jey and Sami remain close? Will Roman have something to say to his cousin about his lack of unwavering support for the family? So too, how will Kevin Owens fit into the mix? He came down to help Sami even up the numbers after Reigns attacked with a chair, hit the spear and pinned Zayn to retain his title. Is Owens joining the Sami fight with The Bloodline?

Elimination Chamber was a wonderful show but the main event stole the night. Zayn truly did prove he deserves to be a top draw in the world of professional wrestling and while this run didn’t end with the world title around his waist, perhaps it’s not out of the cards for him down the line.

Next: New Day Wants To Have Dream Match With The Young Bucks

Jim Parsons

Learn More →