Drew McIntyre defeats Sami Zayn to retain Undisputed WWE Championship

Image Courtesy: WWE

Drew McIntyre made a successful defense of the Undisputed WWE Championship on Saturday, defeating Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh.

The conclusion of the match saw McIntyre intercept a Helluva Kick attempt with a Claymore Kick. Rather than covering his opponent immediately, the champion waited for Zayn to rise to his knees before delivering a second Claymore to secure the pinfall.

The final sequence followed a violent spill to the outside, where McIntyre powerbombed Zayn through the commentary desk. 

Despite officials checking on Zayn’s condition, McIntyre rolled the challenger back into the ring, striking him while taunting him to “do it for your son”.

Throughout the contest, McIntyre ruthlessly targeted Zayn’s lower back. Zayn appeared to injure his back early in the match following a tope con giro to the floor, allowing McIntyre to capitalize with backbreakers and slams against the ring apron.

Zayn survived a significant amount of offense to stay in the match. He kicked out after absorbing an avalanche White Noise and three consecutive Future Shock DDTs. He also managed to place his foot on the bottom rope to break the count following McIntyre’s first successful Claymore Kick.

About Neal Flanagan 1771 Articles
Based in Northern Ireland, Neal Flanagan is a former newspaper journalist and copy editor. In addition to reporting for POST Wrestling, he co-hosts The Wellness Policy and Book Club podcasts.