Anyone who has been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Sami Zayn in NXT knows that hes the quintessential babyface. The Canadian-born superstar-in-waiting possesses the perfect amount of fire and passion all wrapped up inside the package of the ideal underdog. He employs his facial expressions expertly and conveys emotions as well as anyone in the business, with a likability factor that is off the charts. When he eventually transitions to the main roster, if hes allowed to be himself theres no reason why he wont thrive on the big stage. Hes going to be putting on clinics with a variety of guys and the fans will get behind him big time, similar to how they respond to Daniel Bryan. In that sense Zayn is comparable to Ricky Steamboat. The Dragon was always the hero, never resorting to turning heel to keep his character fresh because he fit the role so well. It would have seemed out of place to boo Steamboat, and taken away all his strengths, which are the same as Samis. Both are brilliant technical workers and masters at the art of selling, possess excellent timing and know when and how to structure a comeback. And anyone who questions if Zayn can garner the same kind of sympathy that "The Dragon" could need look no further than his brilliant match vs. Kevin Owens when he lost the NXT title. The structure of that match was such that, even in the post-kayfabe world there were people literally in tears in the audience. It was amazing. The only thing that may render this analogy moot is if the company really gets behind Samis potential and he ends up surpassing Ricky Steamboat in star power as a lasting main event, something the former NWA champion on flirted with only occasion.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
