At WWE WrestleMania 40, Sami Zayn did what many thought was as likely as me skipping a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day: he ended GUNTHER’s monumental Intercontinental Championship reign. The bout, which served as the appetizer to the evening’s main event, was a rollercoaster of emotions, much like watching the polls on election night.
With GUNTHER holding the title for a record-shattering 667 days, the stakes were as high as the national debt ceiling. But Zayn, with the support of his number one fan (his wife) in the front row, turned the match into a tale of David and Goliath, if David was a veteran WWE superstar and Goliath was an Austrian powerhouse with a title reign longer than some administrations.
Before the match, Zayn’s backstage encounters read like a who’s who of wrestling camaraderie and familial support, highlighting just how much this moment meant to him. Once the bell rang, it was clear GUNTHER wasn’t going to give up his reign without a fight, dominating early on like a seasoned politician during a debate.
However, the tide of the match turned as Zayn, the perpetual underdog, showed resilience that would inspire even the most cynical voter. With each Helluva Kick, you could feel the momentum shift, like a campaign gaining ground in key battleground states. And when Zayn finally secured the win, it wasn’t just a victory for him; it was a victory for every WWE fan who loves a good underdog story.
GUNTHER’s reign was historic, no doubt, like a long-serving senator finally stepping down. But every reign must come to an end, and Zayn’s victory was a reminder that in WWE, as in politics, anything can happen.