10 Wrestlers Even AEW Couldn’t Sign

6. Sami Zayn

Fiend Tony Khan
WWE

Right around the time Kevin Owens decided to stay put in WWE, so too did Sami Zayn.

He was later fairly up front about the decision - he was relatively happy, presumably well compensated, and had evidently figured out a system that always looked rigged against smaller, technical wrestlers of his ilk. Heading into WrestleMania, he was embroiled in a high profile scuffle with the Jackass cast. This, a year on from working alongside Logan Paul against Kevin Owens spoke to how reliable he'd become in the novelty spot.

This looked and even felt enough, but Zayn's post-'Show Of Shows' story with The Bloodline has been such an unqualified success that it looks as though the very system he's gamed has got extra levels that he's managed to unlock. All Elite Wrestling couldn't bring the independent wrestling legend over, nor could they secure the services of his luchador associate El Generico. Nor will they be able to if things stay even half as promising for the former NXT Champion in Triple H's intriguing new universe.

 
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Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation over 7 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 30 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz", Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 50,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, 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