10 Ways WWE Fixed Broken NXT Call-Ups

3. Sami Zayn

Bayley Sasha Banks
WWE

It took Sami Zayn far longer than it should have to earn (a version of) the approval of the masses as a main roster star.

No, that’s not right. It took Sami Zayn far longer than it should have to earn (a version of) stubborn acceptance of Vince McMahon as a main roster star.

Zayn had a John Cena glow on NXT and didn’t require neon merchandise for extra sheen. Upon promotion to the main roster (and especially following the conclusion of his renewed rivalry with Kevin Owens), the ‘Underdog From The Underground’ didn’t get much further in a heel role until he made what appeared to be a permanent switch to bothersome busybody in 2019.

As a modernised manager, Zayn struck up a perversely enjoyable relationship with former NXT opponent Shinsuke Nakamura that extended to other black-and-gold brand rival Cesaro.

Cementing his role as real babyface in spite of his on-screen persona, he sacrificed the Intercontinental Championship to stay home during the ongoing global health crisis. This will serve him well with fans - if not his employers - upon his return.

 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett