Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been treated to a pretty cool tournament to name the next Intercontinental Champion. It’s an all-star lineup with few bad matches as yet, but it’s the underling reason for this that has been the topic of conversation for Sami Zayn fans.
To be fair, Zayn can be polarizing as his social media goes from sharing something positive, to hardcore politics, to in character posts. It makes it impossible to tell which, if any are, the real Sami Zayn. It’s for this reason and his recent injuries and lack of in-ring matches that have turned many against him.
But being striped of the IC title isn’t entirely his fault, as many believe it’s meant to send a message to the rest of the roster. The worst part is, online speculation hints at Roman Reigns being buried to send the same message.
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COVID-19 fears
Initially, reports indicated that Reigns backed out of his WrestleMania match because of his compromised immune system after twice battling leukemia. He’s recently set the record straight, saying he backed out to protect the health of his infant children. Either way, it makes sense and is understandable.
It’s been alleged this is why Sami Zayn has also refused to perform, though other rumors such as he likes to make everyone’s lives miserable, even when they’re trying to make him a top star, are floating out there. Which to believe?
Wait, there’s more.
An underlying factor is something that’s come to light recently, and that’s that McMahon hates anyone sneezing around him and he doesn’t believe in being sick. These have been verified by Jim Cornette and Vince Russo, respectively.
It also sheds light on recent rumors that McMahon has ordered no one talk about Roman Reigns on telecasts. This in effect, buries Reigns. But fans disagree on this point.
Was Reigns buried?
This is what it appears to be, but keep in mind we’re only fans and don’t know what happens behind closed doors. We may use terms like marks, kayfabe, and so on, but that doesn’t mean we know what we’re talking about. It means we understand some terminology and have opinions and thoughts about the behind the scenes action.
For real understanding, it’s important we listen to those that work in the business, and preferably not those employed by McMahon and the WWE as they’ll say what they’re told to.
In this case, Konnan and Disco Inferno’s podcast, Keepin’ It 100 Official, can off some perspective. Konnan points out how it doesn’t make any sense to bury Reigns, but it appears that’s what is happening.
It’s something we may never know for sure, because people will always doubt something. One thing we can trust is anything coming out of the WWE won’t be the whole truth.
What about Andrade and Brock Lesnar?
This is purely online speculation, but there are several rumors out there that Zayn was stripped of the championship to send a message to other talent not to miss any matches. Given it appears Reigns has been buried as well, it’s a powerful message.
Basically, it doesn’t matter who it is, no one is bigger than the business.
If this is true, the WWE can’t say they’re punishing someone for trying to avoid getting sick, so they bring out the 30 day compete clause.
This has led fans to ask
What about Andrade?
What about Brock Lesnar?
Andrade was suspended 30 days for violating the WWE’s Wellness Policy, meaning he couldn’t defend the US Championship. He wouldn’t be the first person to vacate a championship due to a suspension, but he didn’t. This has led to fans pointing out his engagement to Charlotte Flair as the reason why. Given Ric Flair’s recent issues with McMahon and the WWE, we find it hard to believe, but who would’ve thought the Kliq could’ve carried so much power in their time?
As for Brock Lesnar, it can be argued he didn’t always defend his championships within the 30 day window. Most likely, his appearances were put into his contract, so the 30 day rule may not have been enforceable.
This leaves the fact that the WWE follows their own rules when they see fit. It makes sense, as we see the in-ring rules constantly ignored depending on the match. There are rarely any count outs, no time limits, and the tag teams matches are a joke at the best of times.
So, this causes us to ask is the WWE ignoring the 30 day rule for some really surprising?
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