6 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (10 April - Results & Review)
4. “I Don’t Even Know What I Did”
So many characters forget things they've said or the way they used to act just because the script calls for complete change. Complete change is fine, but switch ups need to come with some context and a grounded sense of realism. Case in point: Pat McAfee going from a WWE cheerleading announcer to someone who's trashing the entire promotion and its champions like Cody Rhodes.
That's come out of nowhere, which is something Cody even brought up on Friday. Thus, everyone should appreciate Sami Zayn broaching the subject of his own ongoing change. He’ll go full blown heel at some point, possibly at WrestleMania 41 if the double turn pitch with Trick comes true, but Sami should be a bit confused as to why fans are booing him and embracing Williams.
That makes sense, and Sami cut a solid, realistic promo here. It was the same kind of realism his good pal Kevin Owens uses, which is meant as a compliment. KO became a master of cutting through the noise to deliver justification for his actions or words. He didn't just subscribe to, 'I'm a good/bad guy so I must say good/bad guy things for the sake of it'. No, there has to be a reason for everything.
Zayn is someone else who understands that. The way he stood miffed initially as fans booed him, then bit back by saying he still has hardcore fans and they're the only ones he cares about out there, was cool. By the time Sami said, "I don't even know what I did", his humanity landed with a real thump.
If handled correctly, then his next heel run could be an all-timer.