In terms of natural babyfaces, you aren't going to find many better than Sami Zayn. The guy has every trait necessary to succeed at the highest level and right now, the world is starting to realise that, with his phenomenal performances week in and week out.
The guy is stealing the show on Monday Night Raw whenever he's given the chance, and it's only a matter of time before things get taken to the next step.
It's no secret that the company are giving Sami a babyface storyline, similar to that of Daniel Bryan back in 2013-2014. It's a smart idea too, given how he's been booked so far, but there are always risks when you consider that Zayn is a part of Raw as opposed to SmackDown.
It could prove to be a benefit in some ways, but the red brand is seriously suffering right now when you compare it to their rivals.
Whatever the case may be, we can all agree that the former NXT Champion is destined to reach the top of the company. Whether it be in 2017 or beyond, Zayn's star will continue to rise and it's important that the run is handled appropriately.
There are a number of different people who he could end up taking the Universal Championship off of, but some of them would create more successful and memorable moments than others.
With that being said, let's take a look at five superstars Sami Zayn could beat for his first World Title - assuming it's on Raw, of course.
#5 Brock Lesnar
Look, a lot of people aren't going to buy into this as a serious possibility but hear us out.
The confrontation between Sami Zayn and Brock Lesnar on Monday Night Raw was brief, but it was brilliant. It's that kind of David vs Goliath tension that you just can't manufacture, and it felt very natural to see the two men in the ring together.
Unfortunately, we're a long way off seeing them battle in a match for the Universal Championship, but that doesn't mean we can't dream about it.
Also read: 5 potential feuds for Sami Zayn
It would probably have to be some kind of a No Disqualification match in order for Zayn to really have a chance, but just imagine the thunderous reaction if and when Sami pins the Beast Incarnate to capture the World Title. Phenomenal.
Onto yet another big man who Sami has quite the history with.
#4 Braun Strowman
Whenever Braun Strowman and Sami Zayn have a match together, it's wonderful. They share a fantastic chemistry and they've perfected the big vs little guy style, putting on a string of impressive bouts against one another.
So with that in mind, how much better could things be in a year's time with Braun Strowman as the Universal Champion?
The monster heel continues to improve with each passing week, and once he has the title nobody will be able to stop him for quite some time.
It'll take a monumental effort for Sami to capture the strap and whilst it doesn't exactly feel like a WrestleMania worthy match, this story can easily be told on any of the other big four pay-per-views and have the same effect.
From a potential future champion to a guaranteed one.
#3 Roman Reigns
The Big Dog isn't a good guy, he isn't a bad guy - he's the guy. However, in this instance, we'd like to request that Roman goes ahead with that long awaited heel turn for this matchup.
Reigns could hold onto the title for a few months with Sami battling his way to the number one contender position, all the while having to battle through numerous top superstars to get to Reigns.
Roman can laugh off Sami's chances at success, but when it comes down to it, the psychology between the two would be fantastic. Zayn keeps battling back from Roman's vicious attacks until that one Helluva Kick shocks the world and gives the underdog from the underground the Universal Title.
It's storytelling brilliance, which is where WWE shine from time to time.
Onto yet another former member of The Shield.
#2 Seth Rollins
If you saw the match between Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn on Monday Night Raw, then you understand The Architect's position on this list. The two guys slogged it out in an absolute war for the right to go to the Royal Rumble, and Sami's victory honestly felt like a huge moment for him.
He was clearly the underdog, with Rollins besting him at almost every turn, but the pace of the match worked brilliantly.
If we put Rollins in more of a tweener position and keep Zayn as the heroic challenger, this could reach whole new levels of great.
You could either have Zayn slowly wear Rollins down before picking up the victory or alternatively just have him get the lucky win that sees him finally become champion. Either way, Rollins vs Zayn is the way to go.
That is, of course, if you count out this next man.
#1 Kevin Owens
It's the rivalry we all know and love more than any other. Kevin Steen vs El Generico. Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn. Former friend vs former friend. No matter how you describe it or how many times you do it, this stuff doesn't go out of fashion.
These two men have had some absolute wars over the years and they are nowhere near done with their legendary feud.
Just imagine the pop for the announcement of this being a World Title match, let alone the moment when Zayn actually wins it. If you need a snippet of what it would be like, just go back and watch their Battleground match where Zayn finally defeats his former best friend.
It's an absolute masterpiece and for the first time in a long time, the WWE have what they can truly call an iconic feud on their hands.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
