Report: WWE Higher-Ups Pushed For Sami Zayn To Beat Roman Reigns
Elimination Chamber 2023 could've looked a LOT different had this WWE pitch succeeded...
Sami Zayn suffered heartbreak at WWE Elimination Chamber, falling to Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns in an emotional main event, though high-ranking company officials pushed for the bookers to put the gold on Zayn.
Dave Meltzer reports on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE higher-ups had pushed for a title change at Elimination Chamber. This idea was ultimately shot down, with the company electing to have Reigns retain instead.
Roman now advances to defence his dual titles against Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39 next month. Meltzer stated that this was the plan "even a week ago." Currently, WWE has no plans on re-inserting Sami into the program to make it a Triple Threat.
Zayn was competing in his home state of Quebec, Canada at Elimination Chamber, where he was received like a superhero. Post-defeat, he was ultimately saved from a Bloodline beatdown as friend-turned-enemy-turned-friend-turned-enemy-turned-friend-again Kevin Owens made the save - but not before Jey Uso once again teased switching allegiances, refusing to blast Zayn with a steel chair at Reigns' behest.
Sami split from The Bloodline after a boorish Roman ordered him to attack Owens at the Royal Rumble. KO and Zayn have been linked to a WrestleMania shot at The Usos' Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships.