WWE closes ranks around Drew McIntyre heading into WrestleMania 42

The outcome of the match between Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn at Royal Rumble 2026 has gained a new dimension with the information known after the event. What on screen was a clean and resounding victory for the champion, off the ring hid an internal debate that ended up being resolved in McIntyre's favor. The victory of the Scotsman not only meant another defense of the World Heavyweight Championship.

With that triumph, McIntyre extended his historic dominance over Zayn to a resounding 12-0, put an end to Zayn's winning streak in Saudi Arabia, and definitively established himself as the champion WWE will take to WrestleMania 42.

There were no shortcuts or interferences within the match. McIntyre won clearly, without controversy and without excuses. However, according to subsequent information, the outcome was not unanimously accepted before the show. According to details known after the event by Wrestling Observer, Sami Zayn was actively pushing to win the world title.

This stance was maintained throughout the match's build-up and even up to the day of the Royal Rumble. Zayn saw this confrontation as the key moment to crown his recent trajectory, but WWE ultimately chose a different direction.

This outcome recontextualizes the match as the highest point - and probably the end - of Zayn's journey in the title scene during this WrestleMania season. In previous months, there was a perception that he could be an important piece in the world championship landscape, but the result in Saudi Arabia suggests a clear change of plans. However, it is not ruled out that Sami Zayn will be in the fight for the Undisputed Championship at Elimination Chamber. Next week, he will be part of a qualifying match where he will face Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes. The winner will be part of the male Elimination Chamber.