3 Reasons Sami Zayn is now fully a heel following WWE SmackDown

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The rivals exchanged insults on the microphone and promised to destroy each other in Canada leading up to the bout. Punk vs. Owens exceeded fans’ expectations with their Undisputed WWE Championship match. However, Sami Zayn influenced the bout’s outcome with his unexpected interference.

Zayn showed up during the climax of the bout and cost his real-life best friend, Kevin Owens, a potential title win. He hit The Prizefighter in the face with the championship belt, allowing Punk to capitalize and emerge victorious. The Master Strategist didn’t stop there, as he launched a post-match assault on the duo.

The former Undisputed WWE Champion lost his cool after being frustrated over his abrupt world title loss to Punk in Chicago. He seemingly embraced his dark side on WWE SmackDown after teasing a character change for months. Zayn also made it clear that he wasn’t done pursuing the blue brand’s top championship.

In this article, we will discuss three reasons why Sami Zayn is now fully a heel following WWE SmackDown.

#3. Sami Zayn cost Kevin Owens a world title win in his home country on WWE SmackDown

This week’s WWE SmackDown was arguably one of the biggest nights of Kevin Owens’ illustrious pro wrestling career. KO’s family was in attendance to witness him compete for the world title against CM Punk. Until recently, Owens’ in-ring career was in jeopardy due to a major neck surgery. However, he made a miraculous comeback to reclaim his spot at the top of the card.

Kevin Owens last held a WWE World Title in 2017. His reign ended abruptly at the hands of Goldberg. The decision didn’t sit well with fans because Da Man was a part-timer. Owens spent the next nine years working hard to get close to the gold.

Last night on WWE SmackDown, Owens came close to winning the world title. He was on the verge of achieving his goal in front of his family before Sami Zayn backstabbed him. Zayn hit KO with the championship belt, allowing Punk to reign supreme.

Zayn is now a heel because he chose to betray Owens when it mattered the most. He robbed KO of a world championship victory on his home turf. The move was surprising because The Master Strategist had reconciled with The Prizefighter at SummerSlam 2026 during their Fatal Four-Way Match.

#2. Sami Zayn tried to manipulate Kevin Owens into using the title belt to attack CM Punk

CM Punk and Kevin Owens engaged in a hard-hitting, back-and-forth contest on WWE SmackDown. Besides aiming to win the world title match, the duo was also trying to inflict pain on each other after years of animosity. However, neither star used unfair means to gain an advantage in the contest.

Sami Zayn showed up during the bout when the referee was out. The Best in the World attempted a GTS on Owens, but KO pushed him into the match official. Zayn tried to capitalize on the opening by handing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Owens. He told The Prizefighter to hit The Second City Saint with the belt when the referee was down.

The Canadian superstars had a brief argument before Owens refused to attack Punk with the championship belt. Zayn was furious after KO rejected his offer. He shockingly hit The Prizefighter with the title, costing him the win.

Zayn was portrayed as a heel on WWE SmackDown because he tried to manipulate KO into doing the wrong thing to achieve his goal. Meanwhile, Owens wanted to capture the gold on his own.

#1. The Master Strategist added insult to injury by attacking Kevin Owens again

Sami Zayn entered the ring after CM Punk beat Kevin Owens to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. He hit The Second City Saint with the title belt before turning his attention to The Prizefighter.

The Master Strategist added insult to Kevin Owens’ injury by launching a post-match assault. Despite mending fences with him at SummerSlam, Zayn attacked KO with the title belt, showing no remorse. He took out his real-life best friend, confirming that he prioritized the world title over friendship.

Zayn could have walked away after costing Owens a title win. However, given that The Master Strategist chose to attack Owens again, he is now a villain. He embarrassed KO in front of his family, something only a heel would do.

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