Sami Zayn was Rocky Balboa against Gunther Ivan Drago at WrestleMania 40 on Saturday night.
After taking a beating in the center of the ring, Zayn appeared out of nowhere and stunned the “Ring General” multiple times. Even after a series of chops to his chest, he didn’t give up.
He left Philadelphia as the new Intercontinental Champion.
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Sami Zayn wins the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania XL on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Joe Campoare/USA Today Sports)
Günter entered the match after having been on the throne for approximately 670 days, the longest reign in history. For most of the early part of the match, Gunter took control with chop after chop to Zayn’s chest.
Zayn showed he can withstand slaps and chops. He had a moment where he got the upper hand, kicking Gunter’s arm to avoid further chops and hitting a half-and-half suplex. But Gunter continued to attack and hit a brutal clothesline.
Zayn showed resilience with a slap to the face and a tornado DDT off the ropes. Helluva Kick and Blue Thunder Bomb were both countered. Gunter shoves Zayn into a sleeper hold. Gunter blocks Zayn from reaching the ropes and hits a German suplex.
Intercontinental Championship match between Gantger and Sami Zayn at WrestleMania XL on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Joe Campoare/USA Today Sports)
For a moment, Zane thought he could take control, but missed the explosion. Gunter regains the advantage and hits his powerbomb. But Zayn kicked out over the pin. Gunther drives Zayn into the corner and paints Zayn with his own boot.
An explosive energy hit Zane. He threw “The Ring General” into the corner and hit a helluva kick. Gunther showed off his natural ring prowess and caught Zayn again with two powerbombs.
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After Zayn misses the pin, Gunter looks in disbelief. He continued to taunt and attack Zayn’s wife, who was sitting at ringside. It was clear that the reigning champion was frustrated and thought the match should end.
Even after more powerbombs and multiple splashes, Zayn didn’t give up.
Zayn gets back up and hits Gunther with another hard kick. He hits a wild brainbuster on Gunther. Another powerful kick sent Gunter flat on his back.
The crowd went wild as Zayn covered Gunter for the pin.
Gunther received a brainbuster from Sami Zayn at WrestleMania XL on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on April 6, 2024. (Joe Campoare/USA Today Sports)
Gunter’s reign, which lasted 666 days, came to an end.
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This is the second year in a row that Zayn has won gold from WrestleMania. He and Kevin Owens defeated The Usos to win the tag team titles last year.
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