Sami Zayn lost to Roman Reigns in the main event on Saturday, but came away with something that likely meant more to him than the WWE Crown Jewel Championship. Respect.
It’s all Zayn ever really wanted from his former Bloodline brother. It’s what he’s wanted from the WWE Universe and the rest of the locker room on SmackDown. He’s said for months he didn’t feel like he was getting the respect he’s earned through his years of hard work in the ring. He said he didn’t get it when he became the undisputed WWE champion the first time or the second time.
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Reigns left no doubt in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Zayn demanded that Reigns shake his hand in the ring. He asserted that he deserved that much. Reigns countered with something else. A passionate hug that will stand the test of time and adds another element to their story that goes back a few years to when Zayn was an “honorary Uce” in The Bloodline.
“You’re not honorary. You’re an Uso,” Reigns declared.
The emotional moment capped an incredible match.
Zayn walked into what felt like a home game. He captured the Undisputed WWE Championship for the first time earlier this year at Night of Champions when the premium live event was held in Saudi Arabia. Zayn, who is of Syrian descent, made it an unbelievable moment.
The crowd was behind Zayn from the get-go and tried his best to get into the mind of Reigns throughout the match. Reigns was above all the nonsense. He hit Zayn with one more spear and pinned him for the victory.
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For Reigns, another accolade has been added to his already impressive WWE resume.
Reigns is a seven-time world champion. He’s won the Intercontinental, United States and Tag Team Championship and has picked up victories in the Royal Rumble twice, including earlier this year. Now, he can also add the Crown Jewel Championship and the Crown Jewel ring to his list of accomplishments.
Hungry competitors await Reigns when he returns to the U.S. Zayn may have been the annoying gnat that flew around him who could be squashed. It doesn’t appear that the 946 is going to be as easy to take care of.
Cruz Montana joined the group this past week on “Monday Night Raw.” The Royce Keys-led faction have been one of the only groups to get the better of Reigns and The Bloodline.
Pleasantries aside, Reigns and The Bloodline have business to take care of with Survivor Series: WarGames next on the docket.