Sami Zayn was spot on when he said he came out from the back to challenge Braun Strowman on Monday night because no one else would. The classic “David vs. Goliath” wrestling angle was once again born on Raw.
For those who seem puzzled by the move, I can only say this – it works for both performers.
We don’t know how WWE wants to book Strowman yet. It appears the company has forgotten Zayn after his win over Kevin Owens at Battleground. If there are two wrestlers who needed a solid push on Raw’s roster heading into the end of 2016 and beyond, it might be these two performers.
Can Strowman survive on his own after being the neophyte of the Wyatt Family? Is there an eventual title run for the former NXT Champion in Zayn’s future. Right now, everything is up in the air, but here are five reasons why this kind of program will succeed.
#1 Nowhere else to go
This is what happens when both Raw and Smackdown Live have rosters that are slight in depth. The war of attrition has made this match necessary. Strowman should be billed as the biggest, strongest man in WWE, like Mark Henry was upon his arrival in WWE. No such luck with this guy.
He’s stiff and still doesn’t have an edge to him other than the look of a mountain man. Zayn is in the same boat since he is not considered a title contender. When in doubt, take two unlikely opponents, put them together and see what happens.
#2 Zayn will put Strowman over
For his size and his ability, Strowman needs a smaller opponent who can help him work on agility and technique. Zayn, at 215 pounds, might be a little light for the job, but WWE will work with him to write the proper program to play to both of their strengths.
The only thing I do not like about this confrontation is in order for Strowman to get over, he has to beat Zayn. We all go into this match knowing there is no way Zayn can win. In this case, all he has to do is look good in the ring and sell for the youngster.
#3 Roman Reigns, anyone?
The feud between Reigns and Rusev has come to a head and will be decided in the Hell in a Cell match in less than two weeks. Would WWE take a chance and have the big guy confront The Big Guy? It’s a program I for one would love to see.
Just like Brock Lesnar and other big men of the past, there aren’t a lot of stars who match up well with someone of Strowman’s size and weight. WWE just tread lightly in trying to find competition as they build him as a true contender. So far, the company is failing to get him over.
#4 Strowman doesn’t have stiff competition
The fact is there isn’t a Brock Lesnar to come from the back or a Henry in his prime or someone like Undertaker who would give Strowman all he can handle. This is beginning to look a lot like Ryback early on with handicapped matches and a lack of talent to help him succeed.
I would love to see a program with Strowman and Big E or Cesaro – two powerful men who could stand toe to toe with Strowman. Right now, their dance cards are full. When he gets to the main roster, maybe someone like Samoa Joe is a possibility.
Another angle might be Bray Wyatt (in a trade) to come over to Raw and challenge his former family member.
#5 Fans love Zayn
There is something likeable about the Canadian star I just cannot put my finger on. He acts like an everyman, talks like an everyman. He seems not to have a care in the world. And to top it all off, if he were on the street, he would blend in with almost everyone. Zayn has that feel of the guy who has been knocked down over and over again.
He has something to prove. He has made a living out of competing against bigger, stronger and tougher opponents. This is just one more to add to the list, however, Strowman is his most intimidating opponent to date.
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