5 WWE Wrestlers Who SHOULD Have Dethroned Roman Reigns (And 5 Who Still Could)

1. Sami Zayn

Perhaps the biggest sentimental favorite in years, even decades, Sami Zayn winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Championship at Elimination Chamber in Montreal would have been a monumental moment for the company and for Sami himself. It also is a story that makes a mountain more sense in hindsight.

Zayn had all the momentum in the world after turning on the Bloodline at the Royal Rumble and looked to be poised to finally bring down Roman Reigns. Even the most cynical fan couldn’t help but get swept up in the moment.

But most fans determined that it made more sense for Sami to come up short, reunite with Kevin Owens and capture the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship, which would come to fruition. They also reasoned that having Sami win wouldn’t have made much sense if Cody Rhodes was destined to win the title at WrestleMania 39.

Of course, knowing now that Rhodes lost at Mania, it makes Sami’s loss look more perplexing. If you were going to continue Roman’s run with the title past WrestleMania, why not have Zayn get the upset win in his hometown for the ultimate feel-good moment, then have a triple threat at Mania where Roman regains the titles over the babyfaces.

It would have accomplished the same mission, but it wouldn’t have ripped fans’ hearts out twice in a row just to continue the Tribal Chief’s never-ending reign. Looking back after Mania, it makes Sami’s loss feel a bit crueler.