10 Best Booked WWE Champions Of 2020
8. Sami Zayn (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
For those worried about Sami Zayn being punished for his decision to abstain from wrestling during the height of the pandemic, his relative prominence since his return has been one of 2020's better surprises.
Sami had already shown his worth as a heel before his absence, and since his return the former Underdog from the Underground has only added to his value as The One True Intercontinental Champion (TM). Zayn's self-righteous indignation at WWE hosting a tournament to find a new champion in his absence formed the core of a wonderfully organic storyline, and his eventual triumph over fan favourites AJ Styles and Jeff Hardy to reclaim/retain the belt (depending on your perspective) cemented him as one of the top heels in the company.
Like the best bad guys, Zayn's self-righteous narcissim contains a kernel of truth as he portrays himself as a victim held down by the WWE machine. It's certainly true that Zayn has long had a fractious relationship with the company, which is why it's pleasantly surprising at how well he has been booked since his return. Sami has looked every inch the a**hole champion who audiences can't wait to see knocked off his perch, and frankly that's exactly what a good heel should be.