All 21 NXT-To-WWE Call-Ups - Ranked From Worst to Best

In a lot of ways, Sami Zayn is NXT. 

He's an indy superstar we never thought would be signed by WWE, but he's also a Performance Center creation. His character arc has always been about proving himself, which he did with every victory -- and crucially -- every defeat. 

Sami Zayn has always been able to keep going, to persevere, and to get better.

That's why his main roster debut was pure poetry, and also life imitating art. He had a literal golden opportunity (a US Championship match) against the biggest star in the world, in his hometown, and was introduced by Official Canadian Hero Bret Hart. 

In true Sami Zayn fashion, he had to wrestle it hurt because in his pre-match excitement, he exacerbated a shoulder injury that had been nagging him since before he even signed.

Zayn lost a hard-fought battle and, having shown truly astounding heart, was forced to undergo surgery immediately afterwards. Things aren't easy for Sami Zayn, and that's why it's easy for us to connect with him. 

At the 2016 Royal Rumble -- Sami’s second official main roster appearance, a full seven months after his first. Yhe ovation he received proved that the underdog from the underground had made himself a star with only one match.