Sami Zayn has been stripped of the Intercontinental Championship and a new champion will be crowned via a tournament that will begin this Friday on SmackDown.
Zayn has reportedly been staying home because of the coronavirus and last appeared at WrestleMania, defending the title against Daniel Bryan. WWE said that he’s “unable to defend the Intercontinental title.”
BREAKING: With @SamiZayn unable to defend the #ICTitle, a tournament to crown a new champion will begin THIS FRIDAY on #SmackDown. https://t.co/NxwnTlndOT
— WWE (@WWE) May 13, 2020
I disagree with this decision and no matter what anyone says, I am still undefeated and therefore still the Intercontinental Champion. -SZ https://t.co/SUFsBFeRDB
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) May 13, 2020
Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, where the tournament will begin, was already taped yesterday (Tuesday) at the WWE Performance Center.

Backstage Update on Potential Plans for AEW All In 2027 Location
Tyler Breeze Says He Is Not With WWE & Would Love Yo Be In AEW
Ric Flair Accuses Someone Of Stealing His Wrestling Robes Including A Gold Robe Worth $200,000

![Bayley's WWE Abscense & Contract Update - Creative Pitches Reportedly Made For Bayley's WWE Return [Update: Bayley Believed To Have Re-Signed With WWE & New Expanded Role Expected] Bayley's WWE Abscense & Contract Update - Creative Pitches Reportedly Made For Bayley's WWE Return [Update: Bayley Believed To Have Re-Signed With WWE & New Expanded Role Expected]](https://www.tpww.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bayley-1-540x304.jpg)


