Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn's Best Booking Options at WWE Payback 2016

Some wrestlers are meant to fight forever. Such is the case of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.

It’s hard to believe these two were allies at one point in their independent wrestling careers. But Zayn and Owens, who have both fought all over the world, will do battle once more.

Their feud reignited when they fought for the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania 32. It continued the next night on Raw. Both laid claim to be the No. 1 contender for Roman Reigns’ WWE world heavyweight title. After a brawl with Chris Jericho, AJ Styles and Reigns, Owens attacked Zayn backstage and powerbombed him through a table.

Zayn sought retribution, which resulted in numerous brawls with Owens that culminated in a showdown between the two on the April 18 episode of Raw. Shane McMahon has made their match official, and we will see these two men wage war against each other once more on May 1 at WWE Payback.

The fact is that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn make better enemies than best friends. This couldn’t have been made clearer after the start of April 18's Raw.

Owens interrupted McMahon and Dean Ambrose, claiming Zayn rides his coattails and follows his every move. Zayn quickly responded by pointing out that he was in WWE before Owens, a low blow deeply felt by Owens.

Monday’s confrontation served as a reminder of their heated feud over the years. May 1 will see these two men go one-on-one in a marquee bout.

How would one book this bout, though? These two WWE Superstars know each other like the backs of their hands. Expect counters upon counters and the most fluid wrestling maneuvers you’ll ever see.

Keep in mind their styles couldn’t be any more different. Both are capable of flying, but Owens is the powerhouse of the two.

Yet Zayn has showed a recent streak of being able to strike. Zayn’s recent bouts with Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles and Chris Jericho displayed his ability to go toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in the world. If Zayn wants true retribution, he’ll need to outwit Owens at every turn. Fluster him, enrage him with his strikes and be one step quicker than Owens.

However, Owens is no slouch, either. This is the man who defeated John Cena in his first-ever main roster match. For Owens to win, he must have a similar strategy as he did at NXT. Overpower Zayn until he cannot continue. Owens must also use Zayn’s temper against him.

This won’t be the first time these two men square off in the ring. They duked it out all over the independent circle, with Owens known as Kevin Steen and Zayn going by El Generico. They fought in leagues such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Ring of Honor, which marked a milestone for both men. Their festering feud continued at NXT.

Both men waged war for the NXT title, where Owens defeated Zayn and took him out of action.

At WrestleMania 32, Zayn wanted revenge and got some severance in the Intercontinental title ladder match. Zayn suplexed Owens on top of a ladder, incapacitating him from the rest of the bout. This led to Owens costing Zayn a chance at the WWE world title the next night.

In the end, the similarities between Owens and Zayn are heightened by their time as both friends and enemies. Their problems are showing no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by their latest chapter. The competitive nature of these fierce adversaries is the equivalent of a long-storied sports rivalry from any other professional league. Either man can lose his temper during this match.

Perhaps it’s best to have neither man win. If WWE Creative were smart, it would have this bout end in a no-contest and set up another encounter at another event.

Owens and Zayn both need a program going forward. They both need a long-gestating feud to remain relevant in the WWE Universe’s eyes. Ironically enough, these two men found that in each other.

It’s time for another round between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The stage is set for this war to begin again. Frankly, it’s been long overdue for these two men to tell the next chapter of their intense rivalry.