Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn is arguably the greatest indie heartthrob in the current WWE roster. Having started with backyard matches, wrestling quickly grew into an obsession for this Canadian native. Debuting with the International Wrestling Syndicate in 2002, Rami Sabei came to the United States in 2004 after getting noticed by the Pro Wrestling Guerilla. He adopted the persona of a luchador, El Generico, and with a catchphrase “Ole!”, started winning titles in both singles as well as tag team matches.
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His run in the independent scene would see him go up against several future WWE Superstars such as Cesaro, Neville, and Daniel Bryan. But it is his relationship with Kevin Owens, then Kevin Steen, that is the most remarkable.
El Generico wrestled in PWG till 2013, while simultaneously performing in Chikara and Ring of Honor. Setting up memorable feuds and displaying incredible ring performances, Generico rose through the ranks, securing numerous titles till he moved to Japan’s Dragon Gate Promotion. Adopting a more lethal fighting technique, he returned to the USA expansion of the promotion to finally debut for Evolve in 2012. Zayn entered WWE NXT as in a non-wrestling role on February 13, 2013, before making his in-ring debut at a live event some days later. This time, though, he wrestled without his mask and under his present ring name.
Did you know a top WWE Superstar just wrestled outside the company? More details HERE
Zayn’s history of pro wrestling is evident in the dexterity he displays during his matches on WWE. His remarkable chemistry with any competitor and understanding of the craft resulted in some of the best matches in recent WWE pay per view history. A beloved member of the WWE community, Zayn’s popularity can be gauged by the multitude of “Ole!” chants when his music hits, connecting his indie past with his present glory.
