WWE: Leader of Major Faction Says He Finally Gave Up on Recruiting Former Intercontinental Champion – ‘I Tried to Help

Karrion Kross has expressed his frustration with Sami Zayn’s choices during the 2025 Royal Rumble match. While Kross actively worked to persuade Zayn to turn against Cody Rhodes and his allies prior to the event, Zayn maintained his loyalty, even showing concern for both Rhodes and Kevin Owens during their ladder match.

During Rhodes’ match against Owens, Zayn’s presence was noted as he checked on both competitors following several dangerous spots. This display of loyalty preceded his own participation in the Royal Rumble match, where Jey Uso ultimately eliminated him.

Kross addressed the situation directly on social media, highlighting his previous attempts to guide Zayn.

He was brutally beaten in front of his family in Montreal by the guy and he decides to help him up in the Rumble, leading to him getting eliminated by his relative. I tried to help. 🤷‍♂️ He could (have) won the whole thing.

WWE Missed Major Opportunities at Royal Rumble, Says Analyst

During the WWE Royal Rumble Review and BreakDown episode on Sportskeeda’s YouTube channel, Vince Russo offered his perspective on a missed opportunity involving Zayn during the ladder match.

They had that shot of Cody standing out on the desk and he was cutting the promo on a beaten and bloodied Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn should have said something to Cody. He should have fired back because a friend at that time would have done that.

And it wouldn’t have meant that Sami Zayn was a heel. It would have been his true emotions. Like, bro, ‘You beat the guy half to death. Okay, you won. You got your hand raised. It’s over.’ They should have had Sami say something to Cody right there. I just think they missed a good, realistic opportunity.

WWE announced that Cody Rhodes sustained multiple injuries during his ladder match against Kevin Owens, while Owens’ condition remains undisclosed following his dangerous ladder spot.