The end result of Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn on the 2026 Royal Rumble now has far more context—and it places the highlight squarely on what occurred after the bell.
As confirmed following the occasion, McIntyre’s victory wasn’t simply one other profitable protection. The win prolonged his undefeated report towards Zayn to 12–0, ended Zayn’s profitable streak in Saudi Arabia, and successfully locked McIntyre in as WWE’s World Heavyweight Champion heading into WrestleMania 42. There have been no shortcuts, no interference, and no controversy contained in the match itself—McIntyre merely beat Zayn clear. Behind the scenes, although, the end wasn’t universally embraced.
In accordance with the Wrestling Observer E-newsletter, Sami Zayn was actively lobbying to win the WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre. Zayn pushed for the title change all through the construct to the Royal Rumble match and was nonetheless advocating for himself to win as late because the day of the present. In the end, WWE went in a distinct route.
This replace reframes the match because the seemingly peak of Zayn’s run within the World Heavyweight Championship image for this WrestleMania season. Whereas there had been earlier indications that Zayn may issue into the highest title scene heading towards WrestleMania 42, the Royal Rumble outcome suggests WWE has shifted plans.
These plans have been been in flux for months. WWE’s WrestleMania route has modified repeatedly, together with changes to the Royal Rumble winner itself within the weeks main as much as the occasion. In that surroundings, Zayn’s push seems to have stalled simply wanting the final word prize.
McIntyre, in the meantime, leaves Riyadh along with his momentum totally intact—champion, dominant, and firmly positioned as the person to beat on the street to WrestleMania 42.
Do you suppose WWE made the best name retaining the title on Drew Mc Intyre? Please share your ideas and suggestions within the remark part under.