8 WWE Booking Steps For Sami Zayn's Heel Run

5. Twinges Of Regret

Sami Zayn
WWE.com

Zayn and Owens' path of destruction continues for a few weeks, with the reunited duo destroying everyone who comes before them. This results in KO taking things way too far, as he's prone to doing, leading to a 30-day suspension from the powers that be.

Sami is left to fend for himself, and he fares admirably. His newfound aggression allows him to win matches that he would've lost a few months prior, but a returning Tye Dillinger (who's still smarting since first falling afoul of Zayn & KO) runs him off during a post-bout attack.

Furious, Sami ambushes Dillinger later in the evening, unloading the kind of assault one would expect from Owens himself. He goes further than ever before, bloodying 'The Perfect 10' up backstage, then dragging him through the curtain, making an example out of him in front of everyone in attendance, before throwing Tye off the sage.

It's at this moment that Zayn's inner turmoil returns. Confronted with the sight of a battered, broken Dillinger, he realises that maybe - just maybe - he has gone too far.

A stunned Renee Young tries to catch Sami for an interview as he leaves the building. Zayn pauses, then states that Tye "got what he deserved," though he doesn't sound entirely convinced himself.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.