Sami Zayn is once again Undisputed WWE Champion, but the decision to put the title back around his waist reportedly had some opposition within WWE.
Sami Zayn defeated CM Punk on the September 11 episode of SmackDown in Mexico City, ending Punk’s 67-day reign as champion.
The closing stages featured interference from Kevin Owens, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. With the referee distracted while checking on Gargano, Zayn struck Punk with the WWE Championship before connecting with a Helluva Kick to secure the victory.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that the championship change was made for storyline reasons rather than because of any behind-the-scenes issue involving Punk. Meltzer added that while some people within WWE were against the decision, the reasoning behind the title change should become clearer as the storyline progresses.
“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.”
WWE Reportedly Has Long-Term Plan For Sami Zayn Title Change
Sami Zayn is now in his second reign as Undisputed WWE Champion this year. He initially captured the championship at Night of Champions before losing it just nine days later to CM Punk on the July 6 episode of Raw in Chicago. Punk was making his return to WWE television that night.
Zayn eventually received another opportunity against Punk in Mexico City, reclaiming the championship just over two months after losing it. Kevin Owens has also become increasingly involved in the rivalry since returning from the neck injury that required surgery.
Zayn has cost Owens two opportunities to challenge Punk, including interfering in a recent number one contender’s match involving Owens, Finn Balor and Gunther and causing the bout to end by disqualification.
While WWE has not revealed its full plans, Meltzer’s report suggests the circumstances surrounding Zayn’s second championship victory are part of a wider storyline expected to become clearer in the coming weeks.
