WWE has announced that Sami Zayn has vacated his Intercontinental Championship and a tournament to determine a new champion will be taking place. It was confirmed on this week’s edition of “WWE Backstage” that Zayn is not able to compete and the title has been declared vacant as a result. A tournament to determine a new champion will begin this Friday night on SmackDown. As of this writing, the bracket has not yet been revealed.
Zayn is choosing not to appear on WWE TV these days due to his concerns over the coronavirus. WWE officials have said that anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable working doesn’t have to show up. Of course, that obviously won’t go over well with WWE officials, especially with Vince McMahon as he’s been at every TV taping, and this is the result of that. Basically, they aren’t going to wait around for Zayn to return when he feels comfortable doing so.
Zayn last appeared on night one of WrestleMania 36, where he defeated Daniel Bryan to retain the title.
BREAKING NEWS:@SamiZayn is unable to compete and defend the Intercontinental Championship, therefore @WWE has declared the title vacant. A tournament to crown a new Champion will begin on Friday Night Smackdown on FOX. pic.twitter.com/5qZgUyL9rC
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) May 13, 2020
