SmackDown Live: 5 theories on why Sami Zayn was given a shot at the WWE Championship

#3 In-ring action

It's only his second match since returning

Ever since Zayn’s return, all he has been doing is criticizing and mocking the fans during promos. In terms of in-ring action, he has only had one televised match, which was in a losing effort against Finn Balor – and that was about a month ago.

As a result, it has been a while since he has been in the ring and it was about time to give some in-ring action after weeks of rambling on the microphone on how terrible the WWE fanbase is.

---

#2 KO factor

Best friends

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens might have been rivals but they are also great friends. In fact, during the Triple Threat WWE Championship match when Kevin Owens came to attack Xavier Woods, the commentator stated that the two were best friends.

Since Kevin Owens is embroiled in a feud with Kingston for the WWE Championship, it makes sense to add his best friend to add an extra layer to the feud.