In the 902 days that Roman Reigns has been the WWE Universal Champion, he’s never had a challenge like tonight on Montreal. When Sami Zayn joined up with The Bloodline ten months ago, he would become a morale booster for the faction, being dubbed an Honorary Uce. He fought by the side of The Bloodline in WarGames, being pivotal in defeating Kevin Owens to end the match. However, when Reigns faced Owens at Royal Rumble – a post match attack had Zayn questioning his allegiance to Reigns. Zayn made the choice to hit Reigns with the chair that night, setting him on the path to the biggest match of his career.
Tonight, in front of his hometown – a fired up Sami Zayn looks to finally be the one to take down Reigns, and failure might not be an option. This match is bigger than WrestleMania for Zayn, as a victory tonight would truly help define his career and make him a wrestling hero in one of North America’s biggest wrestling towns. Last night on Smackdown Live, Zayn said it himself: “Demain soir t’es chez moi tabarnak! Tomorrow night is not just Roman Reigns versus Sami Zayn. Tomorrow night is Roman Reigns versus Sami Zayn and the entire CITY OF MONTREAL! ROMAN! YOU ARE GOING DOWN!”
Roman Reigns Walks Into Hostile Territory Once Again As Champion
On his way to the ring, Reigns was met by resounding boo’s – which he’d soak in the whole time. Reigns is someone who feeds off the energy of crowds, be that positive or negative energy. Meanwhile, Zayn got the expected heroes welcome, as the entire crowd of 17,000+ fans would sing Worlds Apart. There was a “If Sami loses, we riot” sign in the front row, as expected – and it’s impossible to question who the fan favourite is.
Zayn & Reigns would stare each other down as this match began, taking their time as the crowd chanted “F*ck You Roman” – something he didn’t even get in the UK against McIntyre. They’d lock up with Reigns applying a tight headlock, with Zayn able to slip free and apply the hold himself. Reigns would regain control, before being sent off the ropes and over the top – setting up a dive onto the champion.
Ten punches in the corner would be followed by a flurry from Zayn, before coming off the middle rope with an elbow smash attempt – flying right into an uppercut from Reigns. Zayn would be set up on the apron for the Drive By kick, and a weak chop from Zayn in the ring would just annoy Reigns. Reigns would taunt the crowd asking if this is all they got, a couple of Sami chants.
Zayn was sent off the ropes and right into another uppercut, before being battered in the corner with a series of lariats. Reigns threw Zayn from the ring and into the barricade, reminding these fans why he’s The Tribal Chief, taunting the wife of Zayn who was front row. Zayn was showing none of the life he had earlier in this match – Reigns snuffing the flame out.
Sami Zayn Fires Back Up
Back in the ring, Reigns would be ready to end this charade, only for Zayn to jump over him and put his all into one big lariat. Reigns would send Zayn off the ropes, and was dropped by a jumping lariat before being sent to the floor. This time, it was Zayn beating Reigns with the fans within reach, kicking off a big Ole chant. Zayn would kiss his wife, before heading to the top rope – and being met with an uppercut.
Reigns tried for the superplex, only for Zayn to counter into a Sunset Flip Powerbomb for a near fall. Blue Thunder Bomb would be countered, with Reigns hitting a Uranage for the two count. Superman Punch would be set, but Reigns was caught into an Exploder Suplex into the corner. Reigns was in position for the Helluva Kick, but Zayn was caught in the middle of the ring with the Superman Punch.
Paul Heyman would plead for Reigns to put Zayn away, and The Spear would be signalled. Zayn was able to jump the spear, leading to a roll up for a two count. Reigns was set up in the corner with the Exploder Suplex, before Zayn hit a Superman Punch and the Helluva Kick for the 2.9 count. Zayn would look to follow up, despite Reigns fleeing to the outside.
Suicide DDT through the ropes was blocked, with Reigns hitting another uppercut. Zayn was set up for the barricade breaking spear, but dodged – with Reigns crashing through. Back in the ring, Blue Thunder Bomb would land, with Reigns still able to kick out to the shock of the fans.
Jey Uso Picks His Side
Zayn would look for the German Suplex, with Reigns driving him back into the corner, crushing the referee. Reigns would take the Helluva Kick, and we got a visual pinfall with no referee to count it. Zayn tried to revive the referee, but Jimmy Uso hit the ring with a set of Superkicks and the Uso Splash. A new referee hit the ring – and Zayn was able to kick out despite the flurry of offence from Jimmy.
Zayn & Reigns would trade blows in the middle of the ring, with Reigns hitting a headbutt. Superman Punch would almost hit the referee, before Reigns was stomped into the corner. Zayn would take Jimmy off the apron but walked into a spear, and defied all the odds as he kicked out. Reigns would say he was trying to help Zayn, that Zayn was NOTHING without him – and this how Zayn repaid him.
Zayn would be slapped around by Reigns, before he’d duck a Superman Punch with another referee knocked out. Heyman would pass Reigns a steel chair, but Jey Uso would hit the ring – putting himself between Reigns & Zayn, and Reigns would hand him the steel chair – telling him to pick his side. Jey would be asked what he’s waiting for, before Reigns shoved him.
Zayn would spear Jey by accident, and Reigns would smack Zayn in the back several times with the steel chair. Spear would follow, and the referee hit the ring, ending the championship dreams of Zayn in Montreal – in controversial fashion.
Kevin Owens Makes The Post Match Save For Zayn – Major Blow Dealt To The Bloodline
After the bell, Zayn would be beaten down by Jimmy – and the music of Kevin Owens would hit – not seen since Royal Rumble. He’d beat down Jimmy on his ways to the ring, and nailed Reigns with a stunner. Pop Up Powerbomb through the table followed on Jimmy, before Owens grabbed the steel chair.
Heyman would attack KO from behind, only to be dropped with a Stunner. Reigns was cornered by Owens, and Zayn rushed in for the Helluva Kick. While he didn’t win the championship tonight, he was able to deliver a major blow to The Bloodline – and arguably won the fight. Where this leaves Zayn & Owens is unclear – but perhaps tag team gold is in their future at WrestleMania 39.
Should Sami Zayn have left Quebec as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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