”
], { type: “text/html” }
);
const iframe = document.createElement(“iframe”);
iframe.src = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
iframe.style.cssText = “width:100%;height:100%;border:0;”;
container.appendChild(iframe);
attachIframeMessageListener(iframe);
}
const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, obs) => {
const entry = entries[0];
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
obs.unobserve(entry.target);
requestIdleCallback(() => {
initWidget(entry.target);
}, {
timeout: 200
});
}
}, {
root: null,
rootMargin: “300px 0px”,
threshold: 0.01
});
requestIdleCallback(() => {
$all(“.nl-inline-form-container”).forEach((c) => {
observer.observe(c);
});
});
})();
Rhodes has feuded with Randy Orton outside the title picture to help spotlight other stars. SmackDown is loaded at the top of the card.
When the time comes, the next three stars are the best options to dethrone new WWE Champion Sami Zayn, while three others are the worst options.
#6. Finn Balor gets another shot atop WWE
Finn Balor is in the same boat as Kevin Owens. Both men had disappointing major title runs nearly a decade ago. Balor held the Universal Championship for one day before relinquishing it due to injury.
Owens held the title as well, but was booked as a cowardly heel. He lost to the aging Goldberg. The Prince is back to being a fan favorite, and Sami Zayn won’t be booked like Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar.
It’s an unfortunate part of the game, but Zayn won’t hold the title during WrestleMania season. Balor could beat Zayn outright or do so by winning Money in the Bank.
#5. Gunther needs a new direction
Gunther has been in the WWE Title picture longer than Sami Zayn. The Ring General was Cody Rhodes’ first challenger after WrestleMania 42. He lost a few times, but has continually demanded shot after shot.
WWE should send him back to RAW to face Roman Reigns instead. Gunther has insulted everyone in his path, including SmackDown GM Nick Aldis.
While Sami Zayn interfered more than once, he never received a fair one-on-one shot. Gunther did. Having him beat Sami for the title would be boring since both men are heels.
#4. Redemption for Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre is another huge name that’s been absent from WWE programming since WrestleMania 42. He put Jacob Fatu over in an Unsanctioned Match. He’s been filming the Highlander film reboot, but could come back at any moment.
Fatu is on RAW, and Sami Zayn is technically a heel. McIntyre beat Zayn while champion earlier this year. The Scottish Warrior could return to action as a face to shake things up on SmackDown. RAW could use his star power more, but WWE wants to feature Reigns again heavily.
Since Zayn has clashed with McIntyre in the past, he could drop the belt to him. McIntyre’s last reign was also poorly booked due to constantly pushing Cody Rhodes.
#3. CM Punk doesn’t need another title
CM Punk ruined Zayn’s first WWE Championship win. Some fans didn’t mind it, while others felt Punk had become what he used to hate – the part-timer who flew in at the most opportune time to reign on a full-timer’s parade.
He’s already held both major titles in 2026, and needs a break from the title picture. Punk may get a rematch since Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce treat certain stars favorably compared to others.
Since he’s already won and lost the title this year, he shouldn’t be the pick to dethrone Sami Zayn. Several other names could use the victory more.
#2. Another chapter between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will be forever linked in wrestling history like Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. The main difference is the number of world titles between the two pairings.
They’ve feuded many times, but the latest is different. Zayn never held a major title, but finally accomplished the feat in 2026. Adding the wrinkle of a major WWE Title would up the importance of another clash.
Zayn interfered in Owens’ match against Punk. Owens did the same but was unsuccessful on SmackDown. Since they’re feuding again with the added wrinkle of a major title, it makes sense if The Prizefighter took the WWE Championship from his friend.
#1. Cody Rhodes should stay away from the WWE Championship
Roman Reigns held WWE gold hostage for four years. He lost the Undisputed Title to Cody Rhodes in 2024, but won the World Heavyweight Title this year. That was only two years for other stars to have a shot at holding a major belt.
The American Nightmare dominated the title picture after beating Reigns. He lost the title three times but won it back quickly. Many fans and stars were tired of his constant presence in the title scene.
While a heel turn would instantly make his character more interesting, it shouldn’t lead to another title run so soon. Several veterans like Owens, Balor, McIntyre, and LA Knight deserve a run with a major title.
Newer faces like Bron Breakker and Oba Femi could join the upper echelon with a title run. Rhodes’ presence in the title scene, especially if he beats Sami, would be more of the same.
More from Sportskeeda
${getStoryActionHTML(story, storyTitle, permalink)}
`;
if (index == 3 && isOpera) {
storyHTML += `
`;
}
recommendedArticlesContainer.innerHTML += storyHTML;
});
}
}
function getStoryActionHTML(story, storyTitle, permalink) {
if (shouldHidePostActions) return “”;
return `
`;
}
function recommendedArticles() {
var baseUrl = “https://cf-gotham.sportskeeda.com/recommendations/post/3-best-options-dethrone-sami-zayn-undisputed-wwe-champion-3-worst-options?lang=en&category=wwe”;
pureJSAjaxGet(baseUrl, function(data) {
renderRecommendedArticles(data);
if (isOpera) {
renderOperaFeedAd();
}
}, function() {}, false);
}
var options = {
root: null,
rootMargin: “0px 0px 70% 0px”,
threshold: 0.1
};
var observer = new IntersectionObserver(function (entries) {
entries.forEach(function (entry) {
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
recommendedArticles();
observer.unobserve(entry.target);
}
});
}, options);
var targetElement;
if (showAlsoReadSection && !showAlsoReadSectionV2) {
targetElement = document.querySelector(‘.also-read-articles-container’);
} else {
targetElement = document.querySelector(‘.recommended-posts’);
}
if (targetElement) {
observer.observe(targetElement);
}
function renderOperaFeedAd() {
var operaFeedArticleAd = $(“.opera-article-feed-ad”);
if (!operaFeedArticleAd) {
return;
}
var firstScript= document.createElement(‘script’);
firstScript.setAttribute(“type”, “text/javascript”);
firstScript.setAttribute(“src”, “https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1883810847636355”);
firstScript.setAttribute(“async”, true);
firstScript.setAttribute(“crossorigin”, “anonymous”);
operaFeedArticleAd.appendChild(firstScript);
operaFeedArticleAd.innerHTML += `
`;
var secondScript = document.createElement(‘script’);
var secondScriptCode=””;
try {
secondScript.appendChild(document.createTextNode(secondScriptCode));
operaFeedArticleAd.appendChild(secondScript);
} catch (e) {
console.error(e);
}
}
})();
Fetching more content…
Read the full article here
