There is a lot wrong with WWE today, but the company has done a tremendous job with the development of Sami Zayn’s recent character arc.”The Last Real Good Guy” finds himself stuck in a moral dilemma. He wants to be a genuine babyface. However, that hasn’t gotten him much success.
The WWE Universe has turned its back on the Canadian star. In their defense, Zayn has bent the rules to his favor. Furthermore, he has repeatedly complained about his situation and has been reluctant to take responsibility. This past week on SmackDown, Zayn snapped and slapped his friend, Cody Rhodes, across the face.
The Last Real Good Guy wants the WWE Championship. Fortunately, his current character puts him in a strong position. On that note, let’s look at 3 reasons why Sami Zayn is now more capable of dethroning Cody Rhodes.
#3. Sami Zayn is Not Afraid to Bend the Rules
Given that he has historically been a good guy, Sami Zayn has always tried to do the right thing. Taking shortcuts, bending the rules, and using cheap tactics, thus, were not part of his playbook. However, Zayn has changed and realized that it is okay to disregard the playbook a few times.
A huge part of this realization springs from the success Cody Rhodes has achieved by bending the rules. In Zayn’s case, he won the US Championship from Carmelo Hayes by briefly abandoning his strict moral code for title success. Now, the Canadian veteran has grown more frustrated and desperate.
The World Title has eluded Zayn for far too long, which is why a new edge to his character is valuable. Since he is no longer afraid to bend the rules or take shortcuts, the Last Real Good Guy has a strong chance of dethroning Rhodes.
#2. Desperate Friends Have Conquered Cody Rhodes in the Past
Sami Zayn is not the first person to have betrayed Cody Rhodes. They all had their reasons for turning their back on the American Nightmare, but desperation has been a common motivation for many stars. John Cena, in particular, was desperate to win his 17th World Title, and didn’t have much time left.
Thus, when The Rock came calling for Rhodes’ soul, Cena sold his soul to the Final Boss and turned on the American Nightmare at Elimination Chamber. Cena’s heel run was underwhelming, but it did earn him his 17th World Championship at WrestleMania 41.
Judging solely based on past circumstances, desperate friends have a better chance of defeating Cody Rhodes, who often lets his guard down during crucial junctures in such emotional bouts.
#1. Sami Zayn Now Feels Like a Main Eventer
For the past few years, Sami Zayn has been a floater in the upper midcard. The former NXT Champion was primarily a fixture in the midcard, competing for the Intercontinental and US Championships. However, he was occasionally elevated to the main event scene for brief programs with top stars.
For example, Zayn was used as a transitional opponent for Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble 2026. After failing to defeat McIntyre, he quickly descended back into the midcard. Luckily for the veteran, things are different today. Through his constant complaining and meddling, Zayn has become a focal part in the ongoing WWE Championship feud between Cody Rhodes and Gunther.
Gunther has selected Zayn to serve as the Special Guest Referee for his rematch against Rhodes next week. It will be intriguing to see how the Last Real Good Guy behaves in this role. Nonetheless, it does solidify his claim in the main event scene, and could lead to a title opportunity later down the line.
