5 potential feuds for Sami Zayn after his heel turn

The main event of the Hell in a Cell 2017 pay-per-view was action-packed. The violent nonstop punishment between Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon was stunning.

After Shane sent Owens plummeting into an announce table, the Commissioner scaled the massive structure to deliver his signature elbow drop. However, “The Prodigal Son” failed to connect with Owens' prone body. Due to a timely assist by Sami Zayn.

Sami Zayn’s actions have left the wrestling world in confusion. Zayn’s apparent heel turn will add an edge to his otherwise stagnant WWE career. This opens limitless possibilities for matches and feuds on Smackdown Live for Zayn.

Here are five feuds for a heel Sami Zayn.

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#1 Shane McMahon

Shane McMahon will be on the hunt for revenge.

Sami Zayn saving Kevin Owens from a 20-foot elbow drop cost Shane McMahon his revenge. Shane’s relentless pursuit of Owens was to avenge the insults and beatings dished out by the prize-fighter against his family.

For Shane, nothing is more important than defending his family’s honour and Sami did not let him do that. But for Zayn, protecting his real-life friend’s welfare was more crucial to him. A confrontation between these two will happen and Zayn can use his lack of opportunity on the blue brand fuel his anger towards McMahon.

#2 Shinsuke Nakamura

The greatest match in NXT history.

Nakamura’s disappointing programme with Jinder Mahal has damaged his aura. He needs an opponent to bring out the absolute best in him, he needs Sami Zayn. Zayn can protest about the ample amount of WWE Championship opportunities the “King Of Strong Style” has received. Despite being on the main roster longer, he never got a single World Title opportunity.

The history between these two men is based on one match at NXT Takeover: Dallas. The 5-star fight they delivered that night should be reason enough to pair them on the main roster. With Zayn being a heel and Nakamura a baby face, WWE could give us the anticipated sequel to their instant classic.

#3 AJ Styles

The Phenomenal One is disgusted by Zayn's recent actions.

On Talking Smack after the Hell in a Cell PPV. AJ Styles gave his opinion on Sami Zayn’s surprising behaviour. Judging by Styles tone, he is disgusted that Zayn helped a man that put him through hell from the time he set foot in the WWE. As evident by Styles losing his United States Title, he needs to move on to a bigger role on Smackdown Live.

A feud between Styles and Zayn will undoubtedly produce match the year bouts. Showing concern for the Commissioners health, Styles said he hopes Shane gets a measure of revenge on Sami. This refreshing rivalry will be a career boost for Zayn, as Styles elevates every opponent in steps in the ring with.

#4 Chris Jericho

No one knows more about Owens deceit than "Y2J"

The former friendship between Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho is well documented. Owens betrayed Jericho’s loyalty and so ensued a heated rivalry through Wrestlemania and beyond. With Owens' lack of loyalty as evident by betraying both Zayn and Jericho in the past. Jericho can question his sudden concern for the “prize-fighter”.

Jericho can interrogate Zayn’s integrity for supporting a man that nearly ended his career on his first day in WWE. Zayn can explain to Jericho that he developed a real-life brotherhood with Owens. Showing Jericho his few months of friendship with Owens is nothing compared to the lifetime of memories they created. Proving “blood is thicker than water”.

#5 Triple H

"The King of Kings" might play a bigger part in Zayn's career than we realise.

Zayn’s heel turn helped Kevin Owens win the battle against Shane McMahon. But if Triple H has anything to say about that, the war is far from over. Most thought that it would be “The Game” making a special appearance at the PPV aiding either one of the competitors. However, it was Zayn that became the deciding factor.

Triple H’s return can be fuelled by Owens thrashing, insulting, and dominating his family. And now Zayn has become an ally to Owens mistreatment. Comparisons between Zayn and Daniel Bryan are uncanny as both are lovable underdogs. Now that Zayn has shifted his character to the next level, a feud with Triple H would put him on an elite level, as it did for Bryan.