Sami Zayn Speaks On WWE "Unhappiness" Following New Contract
Having re-signed with WWE, Sami Zayn opens up on the idea that everyone is "unhappy" there.
Sami Zayn has broken his silence on re-signing with WWE, doing so during an appearance on Pat Laprade and Kevin Raphael's Les Anti-Pods de la Lutte.
Fightful Select confirmed Zayn's new WWE contract last week. Now, having committed himself to Vince McMahon's market leaders for an undisclosed period of time, Sami has described what sounds like a simple set of negotiations (h/t Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online):-
“Yes, it’s true. Honestly, I don't know how people on the internet find this kind of information, but yes, it's true, I just signed for a few years and I'm really happy. My contract was almost over, they were interested in me staying, I wanted to stay, so it was no more complicated than that."
Despite facing the inevitable speculation linking him with a jump to another promotion (as is commonplace these days), Zayn clarified that he is satisfied with his role in WWE. He added that he didn't get why people were surprised by him re-upping, suggesting, perhaps, that this comes from the assumption that everyone in WWE feels "unhappy" or "oppressed" (clearly not the case with the former Intercontinental Champion):-
"It's not the first time I've said it, but I'm really happy with my role with the company in recent years, especially the last year, year and a half. I'm doing the best job of my career, especially in terms of my character. I don't know why people were really surprised. They have an idea in their heads that everyone in WWE is unhappy being there, unhappy with their role, that they want more or feel oppressed, or I don't know what. For me, I'm really happy with my role and I can't wait to see what I'm going to be able to do in the next few years.”
Sami admitted, however, that no wrestler is ever 100% satisfied. People always want more, even when they are comfortable in their position:-
“Of course, every talent in the locker room, everyone, always wants more. It's normal. Even Roman Reigns who is the number one in our company. It's everybody. So, I'm not going to say I'm 100 percent happy with what I have right now. I do the best I can, but there are things I don't control 100 percent. But with everything that's happened in the last year, I'm really happy to stay here."
Zayn's original WWE contract was set to expire sometime in early 2022, with the new deal reached before he could become a free agent. The 37-year-old has retained a steady televised presence since returning from injury and turning heel in April 2019.