One is the underdog from the underground and the other is the Lone Wolf. Both were elevated from WWE's NXT brand, and are now featured in a program against one another as part of the Smackdown Live pay-per-view.
Sami Zayn and Baron Corbin’s feud began when Zayn made comments about Corbin when asked about him on a recent edition of Talking Smack, which airs on the WWE network after 205 Live and Smackdown Live. In the midst of those comments, Corbin attacked Zayn from behind, laying him out. Zayn has never been one to back down from a fight, and this gives him clear reason to seek retribution.
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There is clear motivation on his part to not only win this match but to send a message to Corbin. This could be the match that, despite having to overcome the odds of facing someone bigger and stronger than him, he can show just how crafty he can be. It won't be easy, but nothing put in front of Zayn has come easy, so why should this be any different?
Here are five reasons why Sami Zayn will defeat Baron Corbin at WWE Backlash.
#5 To set up a United States title challenge
When watching Zayn compete, it is easy to get stuck in the here and now. He is someone that is often considered the lovable loser who, regardless of the result, always puts on good to great matches. It is clear that this is another case of booking him against someone that he can help to elevate, but that doesn't necessarily mean that will be the inevitable result.
Zayn has all the tools to be positioned as a title contender, and that could very well be the next step after this program. His rivalry with Kevin Owens is something that many wrestling fans have seen develop over time, and all that has to happen to rekindle it is for them to be in the same area as one another.
A United States title run by Zayn would be something special to see, and the new ‘Face of America' could lose to a TRUE Face of America in Sami Zayn.
#4 To give him a fresh start on Smackdown Live
As part of his move to Smackdown Live, it was clear that the idea was to give him the opportunity to be something more. He was valued during his time on Raw, and he helped the elevation of Braun Strowman by jobbing to The Monster among Men. However, a new start also means new opportunities.
It presumably isn't intended to be viewed as someone who transitioned to a smaller time program only to fall flat again. The fresh start means contention and elevation. That can mean having matches for the WWE or US title, but it can also mean working programs that will not only help benefit them but benefit Zayn as well.
A match against Baron Corbin creates a program to help the ever-hungry Corbin while giving the newly arrived Zayn a new rivalry that he has long deserved since his feud with Kevin Owens came to an end.
#3 Their program will go beyond one pay per view
In any feud, the best part is the build – battle physically and verbally, expressing their displeasure with one another in engaging exchanges on the microphones, unsuspected attacks, and interference in matches that one of the parties isn't involved in.
In the build for this match, it's been Corbin leading the way by attacking Zayn, and in doing so has gotten the better of him repeatedly. This match could see anything take place, whether it's a quick roll up or small package win that the other party wasn't prepared for.
This shouldn't be seen as a one and done match up, but rather the first battle in a war that will go beyond this particular event. A win for Zayn at Backlash doesn't mean Corbin will not ultimately get the last say, instead, it suggests that he will be even more motivated to squash Zayn down the line.
#2 He will be over big in Chicago
Whether it is an outpouring of boos for someone like Roman Reigns or John Cena, or complete and utter joy for guys like Tye Dillinger or Shinsuke Nakamura, wrestling crowds will show who they will and won't support. This particular event will take place in Chicago, Illinois, the same place that CM Punk calls home and fans that will often support the anti-hero or underdog.
In this particular contest, one man is clearly pegged as an underdog. Chicago fans are tough to please at the best of times, and won't tolerate any fallacy from what they are watching. Zayn's long history, dating before his time in WWE, will give him credibility with the crowd, as they appreciate the independent talent that works tirelessly to earn an opportunity.
Zayn has arrived, and that big stage where he will achieve may very well be Backlash. A loss for him could ironically create a backlash from the fans in the Windy City.
#1 If he could get a win against Strowman, then it's possible to defeat Corbin
We can appreciate the fact that Zayn fills the role of making others look good, and that is to be commended. Clearly, he is in this position once again, facing Corbin at Backlash. It is similar to the position he was in prior to departing Raw; as many will recall, Zayn was embroiled in a feud with The Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman.
Strowman isn't the same type of big man that Corbin is, however, the fact that Zayn is clearly giving up some weight and height in both instances makes it a similar situation. He withstood a beat down by Strowman, and in their first PPV match was the ‘David' that picked up the unsuspected win.
Zayn is once again faced with the same challenge, and with all due respect, if Zayn is booked to pick up a win against Strowman then a win against the Lone Wolf isn't much of a stretch.
