There were people backstage who initially questioned if Sami Zayn deserved to win the Undisputed WWE Championship a second time, but he has reportedly changed their minds.
WRKD Wrestling reported that Zayn’s performances over the last few weeks have convinced those in the company who didn’t want him to have another run with the title. The report came out on Saturday along with video of a promo that aired on Friday’s SmackDown.
During the promo, Zayn complained that he feels disrespected by Nick Aldis, Roman Reigns, and Trick Williams. He said he doesn’t want to wait until his retirement “to get the recognition I deserve,” and he called himself one of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history.
The promo also aired on the October 26 RAW. In it, Zayn demanded that the fans and the locker room acknowledge him. That night, he defended the title against Je’Von Evans and won after a distraction from Bron Breakker.
On Friday, Zayn defeated Williams in a No Disqualification match. It was his third title defense since September. The first came against Kevin Owens on September 18 and was decided by CM Punk’s interference.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer wrote about the opposition backstage to having Zayn as champion after his title win over Punk on the September 11 SmackDown. Meltzer noted that some disagreed with the title change and that Zayn vs. Reigns at Crown Jewel was part of WWE’s plans.
Zayn will face Reigns, who holds the World Heavyweight Championship, in a champion vs. champion match for the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship.
WWE will hold Crown Jewel on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.