Sami Zayn has been recognized as one of the top wrestlers in the WWE in terms of in-ring performance, but that hasn't translated into a lot of singles success. There was a five year gap between Zayn being NXT Champion and him winning the Intercontinental Championship at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, but sadly, Zayn's title reign has come to an abrupt end. Due to Zayn being unable to compete and defend the Intercontinental Championship, WWE has stripped him of the title.
This was announced by WWE itself on social media. Zayn responded to the decision by stating that he is "still undefeated" and therefore "still the Intercontinental Champion." Zayn recently defended the Intercontinental Championship against Daniel Bryan in a high profile match at WrestleMania 36.
It's unclear exactly why Zayn is unable to defend the Intercontinental Championship, but it most likely has to due with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on a variety of entertainment companies, WWE included. WWE had to release a number of superstars from their contracts due to the coronavirus, and it has also had to film its events in an empty arena. There is currently no end in sight for the coronavirus pandemic, and so it is unclear at this time when exactly WWE will be able to resume business as normal.
In the meantime, WWE will begin the process of crowning a new Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown this Friday Night, where it will start a tournament for the vacated title.