Why Sami Zayn Transfer to WWE SmackDown Was Necessary

Zayn managed a pinfall victory against his former bloodline brethren in a non-title affair on the 8 August SmackDown. Sikoa, alongside his MFTs, would subsequently interrupt Zayn’s match with Rusev on the following episode of Raw. The attack has provided Zayn with much-needed direction, as he would subsequently go on to pin Sikoa in consecutive weeks.

Regaining Momentum

The Canadian was a fixture for WWE’s B-show between 2017 and 2023. His stint reached euphoric heights when he wrestled Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber in Montreal. His face-turn ended the show at the Royal Rumble to a thunderous roar and has been described as “cinema”. Fans clamored for the former NXT Champion to dethrone the Tribal Chief, an honor that was instead given to Cody Rhodes.

A heartfelt tag team championship win against the Usos in the Saturday main event of WrestleMania 39 followed. A win over Gunther at WrestleMania XL ended the 666-day Intercontinental Championship reign of the Ring General. Zayn also became the first man to pin the Austrian as a member of the main roster.

Despite having a Dave Meltzer-certified 5-star classic in March against frenemy Kevin Owens, 2025 has been underwhelming for Zayn. He was left off of WrestleMania 41 and had been stuck in a tedious feud with Karrion Kross, culminating in an unpopular win at SummerSlam. A move to the blue brand may be the launching pad Zayn needs to regain some momentum.

Can Zayn Win The United States Championship

Jacob Fatu has been heavily embroiled in a feud with Sikoa since Money in the Bank. The Samoan Werewolf has been aiming to win back the United States Championship. However, Zayn outlining his intentions may temporarily stall those plans.

Many know Zayn as being one of the greatest wrestlers to never win a world championship; however, it is mind-blowing that he has also never held the United States title. It was ironically the first championship match Zayn had on the main roster. Zayn would lose the famed John Cena’s US Open Challenge in 2015.

A potential date with Sikoa at Clash in Paris seems both inevitable and fitting. Two pinfalls in as many weeks cement Zayn’s number one contender status. A third pinfall over Sikoa in August would probably end in a title switch.

Whilst there are no French superstars on the WWE roster, it’s hard not to think that the crowd would adopt the French-speaking Quebecer. If the crowd in Paris is reminiscent of the Lyon crowd two years ago, then the roof may explode if Zayn becomes the new US Champion.