Wrestling star Sami Zayn was left with horrendous injuries following his brutal Undisputed WWE title clash at Elimination Chamber.
In the continuation of what's proved an epic wrestling storyline, Zayn took on champion Roman Reigns, just weeks after leaving 'The Bloodline' in dramatic circumstances. The faction, headed by Reigns, consists of manger Paul Heyman and his cousins, Jimmy and Jey Uso.
And in a match signified by immense physicality, it was the interference of Jimmy that proved critical as Reigns landed a thunderous spear to retain his belts. It meant disappointment for Zayn and his home crowd in Montreal, who had raised the roof when the former NXT champion had entered the ring.
But despondency soon turned to concern when the official WWE account posted pictures of Zayn, 38, with multiple cuts and wounds on his back. The disturbing images earned the Canadian fan favourite further praise for his resolute showing though.
"I love you, Sami, and thank you for the great and legendary night," wrote @5zOmar. "You were the star of the match and the entire show. You are the best superstar in WWE and in the world of wrestling right now."
"Dude has more bruises on his back than the entire group of men and woman that battled in the Elimination Chamber," wrote @JayydenBlue18, in a dig at the US title match. @The_Conjuration added: "Great main event, guys. Be proud! After the last few rough years, this Bloodline/Sami Zayn stuff is amazing!"
Despite his loss, given Zayn's current popularity it's highly likely he'll remain on the main event scene. He's now being widely touted to team up with long-time rival, and friend, Kevin Owens to face the Uso brothers for the tag team belts at Wrestlemania 39.
As for Reigns 37, he'll defend his belts on the WWE's biggest show against Royal Rumble winner Codi Rhodes. 'The Head of the table' is now the longest-reigning champion in the promotion's history.
Mania will take place in California over two nights, on the weekend of April 1 and 2. And second-generation star Rhodes, who returned to the company from AEW last year, will be favoured by the 74,000-plus crowd.
