Sami Zayn's Surprise Appearance Was Amazing, But...

I think I'm over John Cena's U.S. Title Open Challenges.


I won't lie. Last night was great - a truly visceral, cathartic moment as Sami Zayn received a hero's welcome from his hometown of Montreal.

He put in a fantastic and gutsy effort in his suprise match against Cena.

Zayn also injured his shoulder during the match if WWE.com is to be believed.

That's a problem.

Sami Zayn is one of the biggest stars on NXT. He's one the guys fans are paying their money to see as the brand puts on its first live events outside the state of Florida. He's just over two weeks away from challenging Kevin Owens for the NXT Championship on the live NXT Takeover: Unstoppable special.

But in light of Zayn's apparent injury, I can't help but ask myself what was actually accomplished by having him in that match against Cena in the first place, other than to satisfy our own selfish need to see our personal favorites get their moment in the spotlight.

A loss to Cena doesn't help Zayn. A great match is nothing that's unexpected from either man. And that ovation from the fans in Montreal was going to be there next time.

No, there was nothing to gain, but there was something to lose.

Perhaps, it's time to reevaluate this entire U.S. Title Open Challenge concept.

March 30 - Cena defeated Dean Ambrose.

April 6 - Cena defeated Stardust

April 13 - Cena defeated Bad News Barrett

April 20 - Cena defeated Kane

April 27 - Rusev crashed the party and prevented Heath Slater from answering the challenge

Who is this U.S. Title Open Challenge helping? There's only one answer: John Cena. Sure, younger guys get a chance to get in the ring with the top guy in the industry, but losing is losing. Stardust has been tumbling down the card ever since. Barrett only recently regained some stature by winning the King Of The Ring. Heath Slater is still trying to just get his match.

That brings us back to Sami Zayn. He put everything he had into last night, and in return he received little more than a post-match pity party from Cena and a busted shoulder.

Was it really worth it? At least Sami seems to think so.