WWE Clash In Italy 2026: 8 Things That NEED To Happen
2. Sami Zayn Screws Cody Rhodes Over
Gingerbread Man funeral nonsense aside, Sami Zayn has been on top form whilst developing his new heel guise on episodes of SmackDown. Lately, Sami has been talking about his "ride or die fans" who are with him no matter what, but even that's playing before boos. It's great stuff, and there's clearly more to come from Zayn as a reborn villain.
He keeps having frosty exchanges with old pal Cody Rhodes too, and you just know they're building up to something special. Last Friday, Rhodes and Sami wound up wrestling one another in a slick main event. Think of that as a preview of things to come in front of bigger crowds on PLE. It's only a matter of time. When, not if.
We might just see some more seeds planted for it at Clash In Italy.
Would anyone really be too shocked if Zayn rushed out and "accidentally" cost Cody his match vs. Gunther? Oh yes, that point will be expanded on in the next entry, but Sami sticking his nose in and causing chaos during the WWE Title match sounds fun. It'd also reflect what fans have been watching every other Friday, including Zayn's mini, Christian-esque temper tantrums behind the scenes.
Seeing Sami come up to Rhodes and wish him luck now they 'have that tension out of their systems', only to be rejected because the champ is "too busy" and has to prepare, would add a ton to Sunday's show. If Cody says something to the effect of, 'I don't need your well wishes anymore', then that'd send Zayn into meltdown mode.
That's like "Brie Mode", only way more interesting.