Sami Zayn is reportedly in the middle of a significant creative push that could lead him to his first world championship match at WrestleMania 42. According to Fightful Select, Zayn was a focal point of internal discussions during WWE’s recent European tour.
Per the report, he was tentatively planned for a top-tier title program. Zayn’s momentum was solidified after he defeated Ilja Dragunov on the January 16 episode of SmackDown in London, securing his place in a contender’s match.
The current creative direction is said to be a payoff for a long-term arc that began during Zayn’s rivalry with Karrion Kross in 2025. Throughout that storyline, Kross relentlessly mocked Zayn for his inability to capture “the big one,” a psychological thread that WWE creative is now looking to weave into a redemption story.
Kross has since departed from the company. While the roadmap for WrestleMania in Las Vegas has seen several “pivots,” many within the company are still pushing for Zayn to have his definitive “underdog” moment on the grandest stage.
Zayn’s next major hurdle takes place tomorrow, January 24, at Saturday Night’s Main Event in his hometown of Montreal. He is set to compete in a high-profile Fatal 4-Way match against Randy Orton, Damian Priest, and Trick Williams to determine the No. 1 Contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The winner of this bout is scheduled to face the new champion, Drew McIntyre, at the Royal Rumble on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Given Zayn’s immense popularity in both Montreal and Saudi Arabia, many observers believe he is the favorite to win tomorrow night and challenge McIntyre.
Regardless of the outcome at the Rumble, Zayn has officially declared himself for the 30-man Royal Rumble match. By doing so, he ensures he remains a central figure in the championship conversation as the “Road to WrestleMania” officially begins.
