Andrew SpoorsIn our latest look at WWE’s ones to watch in 2023, Rushonrock’s King Of The Ring Andy Spoors turns his attention to Sami Zayn…
Sami Zayn
There are very few Superstars in the world that had the year Sami experienced in 2022. Last year saw Zayn go from an entertaining feud with Johnny Knoxville to becoming an ‘Honorary Uce’ at the side of Roman Reigns. A ridiculous turnaround and exhibition of just how talented Sami is.
Bodyslammed by Wee Man to cutting promos on behalf of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. The journey from self appointed locker room leader into one of the most popular Superstars on the roster has been nothing short of remarkable and fully deserved.
As successful as 2022 may have been, 2023 looks to bring even more opportunities for the self proclaimed Master Strategist. Sami’s relationship with The Bloodline spectacularly imploded at the Royal Rumble and for many this simply must lead to a big WrestleMania match.
Quite what that match is and who will be across the ring may depend on a number of factors. As is always the case at this time of the year, the WWE Universe is rife with fantasy booking but unlike previous years we are only beginning to learn of concrete plans for Mania.
Rumours of a return for The Rock had persisted, a Royal Rumble win for Cody has provided some clarity as to what the WrestleMania main event will bring. There is, however, an undercurrent of support that Sami lives up to his previous moniker of The Underdog from the Underground and be the one to dethrone Reigns.
While that might sound fanciful, WrestleMania has a habit of throwing out some of the biggest upsets in history. Even with the announced Rhodes vs. Reigns match, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see fan support in the vein of Daniel Bryan’s storyline back in 2014 hijacking current plans. It feels likely that Zayn could find himself in the biggest match of his career to date at Elimination Chamber in his native Montreal.
If the pop from the audience inside the Alamodome was loud, the reception he will receive in Canada will likely be heard across the Atlantic should he capture a Championship from Reigns. An alternate route sees Sami reconcile with long time frenemy Kevin Owens, to finally break the current chokehold The Usos have on the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships.
No matter the route into the future, Sami Zayn can consider himself a major part of one of the most beloved angles in wrestling history. For that alone he deserves every opportunity that comes his way in 2023.