Sami Zayn Pushed To Win The WWE Title At Royal Rumble 2026

At the 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event, Drew McIntyre extended his winning streak over Sami Zayn to 12-0, ending Zayn’s winning run in Saudi Arabia in the process. Without any form of shenanigans, McIntyre soundly beat Zayn, retaining the WWE Championship and all but confirming his role as the titleholder heading into WrestleMania 42. 

The decision behind Sami Zayn’s loss at the Royal Rumble was not one supported by the man himself, as it has been revealed in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter by Dave Meltzer that Zayn was lobbying for himself to win the WWE Championship and beat Drew McIntyre. Even up until the day of the show, it is said that Zayn was pushing for the title change. 

There were some previous reports of Zayn being in the world title picture ahead of WrestleMania season, though it looks as though the Royal Rumble will be the height of his involvement in the top title scene. WWE’s plans have changed a lot in recent months regarding the WrestleMania main event, with it being revealed that even the Royal Rumble winner had changed in the lead up to the show.