Predicting The Next 10 First Time Universal Champions

Getting injured may be the best thing that could have happened to Sami Zayn. Why? Well because it has (hopefully) given WWE a chance to reevaluate what they have been doing with the talented superstar over the past few years.

There was once a time when Zayn could have been a believable WWE/Universal Champion. A former NXT Champion, he was incredibly over with the audience when he made his main roster debut. However, a series of consecutive losses and dreadful storylines destroyed the momentum he had built up for himself. Though a heel turn showed promise, it quickly became clear that he was simply backup for Kevin Owens and his eventual feud with Bobby Lashley was nothing short of dire.

If his time away from the company has given WWE a chance to really think about where he fits in on the roster, he could very well have a bright future ahead of him when he returns. He is undoubtedly a talent and, if the creative team employ a little damage control, he could be a believable champion - especially if he were to get there by winning the Money In The Bank briefcase first.

Much like we saw with Finn Balor (before WWE squandered the opportunity), the Universal Champion can turn anyone into a star overnight, and it could definitely have that effect on Zayn when he eventually wins it.