WWE Clash Of Champions 2019: 10 Things That Must Happen
6. Sami Zayn Makes The Difference
This is a huge weekend for Sami Zayn as a manager-come-occasional-wrestler.
Being Chokeslammed out his boots by a returning 'Taker was one thing on SmackDown. That was a cameo appearance for the 'Deadman', and someone had to take the hit. It wasn't a bad spot for a loudmouth heel like Zayn, but he absolutely cannot take that peripheral loser mentality into Clash Of Champions when he's repping the Intercontinental Champion.
WWE are relying on Sami to save Nakamura's title reign and turn him into a heel fans can't stomach. On Sunday, Zayn must do his best Jimmy Hart impression and fill the role of irritating manager as much as he can. That's the only way this match will work, and it's the only way fans will care about a rematch at Hell In A Cell next month.
If Sami helps out his man and basks in the glory of an IC Title defence before running scared from Miz, he'll get a good response from fans. People want to enjoy Zayn's performances, and there's a honeymoon period of goodwill surrounding his association with Shin.