It needs to be this.. It needs to frame Zoro as someone on the same tier as Mihawk.
It doesn't make sense for him to come into this fight as a challenger to the WSS with no swordsmanship accomplishments.
The only meaningful accomplishment is turning Wadoichimonji into Supreme Grade.
Sadly Oda wouldn't do that.
Luffy might need help to weakens his Arc Main Antagonist.
But thats it. Not with SH unless its Zoro or Sanji.
And evem then He will still deliver the last punch.