10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Feb 3)
Was Rusev nearly a genie?
There was an odd lack of excitement following John Cena's 16th WWE World Title win at the 2017 Royal Rumble; it was almost as if they were saving the celebrations for Cena's inevitable 17th triumph, even the announcers on the pay-per-view quickly moved on from the historic moment.
In total, Cena's latest stint as champion lasted a scant 14 days before he was dethroned by Bray Wyatt at Elimination Chamber. Wyatt's victory shows why WWE didn't break out the pyro and ballyhoo for Cena at the Rumble. The company were foreshadowing his title loss before it had even happened.
Back in 2000, the legendary Ric Flair also captured WCW's World Title and brought his own record to "16". This week, Cena compared his own 16th title run with Flair's, and you can find out what he had to say here.
Joining Cena, there are facts about the likes of JBL, Sasha Banks, Dean Ambrose and former WCW announcer Tony Schiavone. There's also a hilarious story told by Rusev on Chris Jericho's podcast about creative plans for him in WWE's developmental system.
Let's dig in and look at the facts...
10. Sami Zayn Just Passed His 15th Wrestling Anniversary
In a similar mould to guys like Daniel Bryan who came before him, the underdog character Sami Zayn plays on WWE television is steeped in reality; a stand out on the independent scene before signing with the promotion, Zayn is miles away from the cookie-cutter template once used to describe 'WWE Superstars'.
Not especially big, muscular or strikingly handsome, the former El Generico has nonetheless carved a path for himself to WWE, and that deserves recognition - not to mention serious praise.
Taking to his own Twitter account, the likeable Zayn revealed that March 2nd marked his 15th anniversary as a professional wrestler. Sami made his in-ring debut way back in 2002, first working for the International Wrestling Syndicate in his native Canada alongside names such as Kevin Owens.
The past 15 years have been an incredible journey for Zayn, and it's remarkable to think that he's been wrestling for so long when he's still only 32. Theoretically, Sami could go for another 15 years and still retire early.