Matt Hardy expressed that Sami Zayn has rightfully earned a meaningful world title run following a brief initial reign that lasted only nine days. Speaking on the latest episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Hardy admitted he hadn’t watched Zayn’s recent championship-winning match from the September 11 SmackDown in Mexico City and was unsure of WWE’s future plans for him.
Hardy acknowledged the value of Zayn’s new opportunity, noting the first reign was short and more of a transitional period. Zayn’s initial title run occurred in July, lasting just nine days before CM Punk took the championship from him. Due to a broken hand, Zayn was sidelined for about a month before returning to reclaim the title from Punk during WWE’s international tour, which featured several babyface title changes at events like Triplemanía 34.
When asked if Zayn deserves another reign, Hardy didn’t hesitate to agree, emphasizing Zayn’s hard work and longevity in the business. He also pointed out how the criteria for being considered world champion material have evolved over time, which he views positively. According to Hardy, today’s standard requires strong in-ring skills and the ability to connect with the audience, whether as a hero or villain.
Hardy explained that the first title run felt underwhelming mainly because of its brevity but welcomed the idea of Zayn having a longer, more legitimate reign to be proud of. Additionally, Hardy showed enthusiasm for a potential championship rivalry between Zayn and Kevin Owens, citing their rich history dating back to their early wrestling days in Quebec and their intense feud in Ring of Honor and various indie promotions. This rivalry culminated in them teaming up to win the WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 39, making such a storyline especially compelling.
Hardy made it clear that his comments reflect personal opinions on Zayn’s status and what a credible title reign entails, rather than insider information about WWE’s intentions. He also noted his recent focus on Impact Wrestling, where he and his brother Jeff have been active competitors.
Fan Take: Sami Zayn’s journey from a fleeting champion to a credible titleholder underscores the evolving nature of professional wrestling, where fan connection weighs as heavily as storyline prestige. This development is exciting for wrestling enthusiasts, as it promises compelling matches and renewed rivalries that highlight the sport’s rich storytelling potential.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
