7 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown: Happy New Year (Dec 30)

2. Paul Heyman’s Subtle Warning

Paul Heyman Sami Zayn
WWE.com

This was perhaps the kind of quick fire backstage segment that won't register with some. That's a pity, because it'll end up being a key plot point in Sami Zayn's eventual expulsion from the ranks of The Bloodline. Paul Heyman will be able to point at Sami and say: 'Well, I did f'n warn you!'.

Paul E cautioned Zayn for scooping some of Roman Reigns' spotlight on last week's show. This is something Heyman does better than anybody - he sincerely presents himself as a twin-pronged meddling annoyance and as someone who really has your best interests at heart.

Sami's facials were cracking too.

It's happening, boys and girls. That underdog babyface run has sort of already started given the positive reactions Zayn gets from live crowds, but it'll kick into high gear once Roman, The Usos and Solo Sikoa leave him bruised and beaten.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.