Sami Zayn challenged Roman Reigns ahead of Crown Jewel in a column for WrestlingInc by Daisy Ruth, arguing that his current trajectory as Undisputed WWE Champion is entirely justified. The preview outlines how Zayn opened SmackDown after laying out Reigns with a Helluva Kick on Raw, addressing the locker room dynamics and his complicated history with Jimmy Uso.
Interference Variables Could Impact Crown Jewel Clash
- Sami Zayn is cutting strong, excellent promos ahead of the match against Roman Reigns.
- Interference variables involving the 946 faction could impact the Crown Jewel clash.
- The friction and history between Zayn and Jimmy Uso help strengthen the story with Roman Reigns.
Sami Zayn Confronts Jimmy Uso Over Bloodline History
Zayn opened SmackDown after laying out Reigns with a Helluva Kick following a beatdown on Raw. Jimmy Uso quickly confronted him in the ring, prompting Zayn to label him his “Honorary Uce” and assert that family is forever. But the tone shifted quickly when Zayn admitted that in a different reality, he would gladly assist the Bloodline against Royce Keys’ faction. Instead, in this timeline, Zayn stands alone as WWE Champion.
The promo drew heavily on past continuity. Zayn explained that Jimmy Uso was always the first to pull the trigger, recalling the exact moment Uso beat him down after Zayn’s betrayal of Reigns. Ruth noted in her WrestlingInc column that this historical recall strengthens the overarching narrative with Reigns even while the champion is absent from the building. Uso acknowledged that Zayn finally holds Reigns’ full attention after Monday’s assault.
The 946 Faction Interference Complicates the Board
WWE creative is carefully balancing two distinct boiling points: the Zayn versus Reigns collision at Crown Jewel and the ongoing war between the Bloodline and Royce Keys’ 946 faction. Ruth reported that 946 attacked Jimmy Uso immediately following the opening promo segment. In a telling character shift, Zayn simply walked away rather than assisting his former stablemate.
Whether the Usos inject themselves into the Riyadh main event remains an open question on the weekend fixture. Zayn maintains he is simply doing what is necessary to secure the respect he has long earned, completely shifting the power dynamic within the locker room.
