Sami Zayn turned on Kevin Owens in Toronto and directly cost him the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Owens was battling CM Punk in the main event of the August 21 episode of SmackDown when Sami suddenly got involved. With the referee down, Sami sent Owens into the ring post behind the official’s back.
Owens still fought his way back into the match and dropped Punk with a Stunner, but he couldn’t put the champion away. Then everything went sideways.
Sami slid the WWE Championship into the ring. Owens picked up the belt, but instead of using it against Punk, he handed it back to Sami. Sami immediately blasted Owens with the championship. That left Owens wide open for Punk to hit another GTS and score the pinfall to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Sami wasn’t finished after costing Owens the match. He attacked Punk after the bell, went after Owens again and then struck Punk once more as the closing moments completely broke down. Sami made it clear what was driving him, claiming Punk stole the WWE Championship from him and demanding justice.
The turn had been brewing earlier in the night. Sami complained backstage that Punk was defending the title in Toronto instead of him and questioned why he still hadn’t received another championship opportunity. By the end of SmackDown, Sami took his frustration out on both Punk and Owens — but Kevin paid the biggest price. Owens had a chance to leave Toronto as WWE Champion until his longtime friend smashed him with the title and handed Punk the opening he needed to retain.
What do you think about Sami Zayn turning on Kevin Owens and costing him the WWE Championship? Let us know what you think and leave your feedback in the comments.
