Sami Zayn is still the Intercontinental Champion if you ask him. He was never defeated for his title as he had it stripped from him.
WWE is trying to say he was injured, but it’s clear what happened. He didn’t show up to work after being told that nobody would lose their spot on the roster if they decided not to attend the tapings.
The IC Title tournament sets up a ready-made program for Sami Zayn’s eventual WWE return as noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Zayn will probably work a program with whoever wins the tournament.
We will have to see how long Sami Zayn is out of action. That could determine a lot as well. AJ Styles’ participation in the tournament is also a very interesting thing that might need to be considered. Let’s see how this whole situation pans out.