5 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Dec 3)

2. Sami’s Reasoning

The unlikely Brock/Sami double act got to close it too.

Later, Zayn implored Lesnar to help him beat Reigns. In a genius moment (one that was also a rare show of self-awareness from the scriptwriters), Sami then reasoned that he'd be an easier opponent for the 'Beast' at Day 1 than Roman. That was an unexpected line, but it made sense.

For a character who often basks in his own delusions, this was pretty logical. It's hard to argue with Zayn's point - he would've been an easier road to the Universal Title for Brock. Sami also fancied bagging a cheap run as Universal Champion himself, which is exactly what an opportunist like him should be interested in.

Then, things turned. Zayn accidentally insulted Brock and took a pasting for his cheek. That set up the main event. Anyone wondering how WWE would handle a heel vs. heel showdown between Sami and Roman got their answer before the show went dark.