The Undertaker has been retired from in-ring action for a few years now but is keeping a close eye on the product. 

Taker got an up close and personal look past Monday night on WWE Raw, where he made an appearance with his American Badass gimmick and rode his motorcycle down to the ring for a segment with LA Knight that led to Taker grabbing him by the throat, then giving him to Bray Wyatt, who laid out Knight with Sister Abigail. 

 It marked the first time in over two decades that Taker made an entrance to the song. This was ahead of Wyatt taking on Knight in the first-ever Pitch Black match at the Royal Rumble.

Praise From The Deadman

While speaking with Ariel Helwani of BT Sport, The Undertaker praised Sami Zayn for his storyline with The Bloodline as The Honorary Uce.

“I’ll tell you what, I’m really eyeing right now, Sami, what he’s doing. It really is and it’s the perfect offset to Roman and The Usos. It’s just perfect, it’s different, right? It cracks me up watching him crack those guys up and them trying to keep their composure. Sami…that whole thing has been done so well.”

Could WWE’s relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia snuff out plans for a World Championship push for Sami Zayn?

Zayn is arguably the most popular WWE Superstar competing today, having won over audiences with his work as the Honorary Uce.

With tensions continuing to boil in the Bloodline, many feel it is a matter of time before Zayn challenges Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Sami and Saudi Arabia

Sami Zayn is a regular on WWE TV, but due to his Syrian heritage, the decision was made years ago to keep him away from events in Saudi Arabia.

That didn’t stop fans from chanting for the Honorary Uce during the press conference for last November’s Crown Jewel event in Riyadh.

When Dave Meltzer was asked on Wrestling Observer Radio whether the Saudis could prevent Sami from becoming World Champion, the veteran journalist said that it could be a factor.

“Yes, because Saudi Arabia would want the top guy and the champion. But John Cena hasn’t gone to Saudi Arabia lately [since 2018’s Greatest Royal Rumble.] And he’s a much bigger star than Sami. It’s something, but it’s not a death knell to him.”

Dave Meltzer.

Meltzer echoed recent comments from Zayn himself that even if he is to become champion, that won’t make the Honorary Uce the next face of the company.

“They’re not going to make him the top guy. They can still make him the champion. Does Saudi Arabia play a part in the sense that they don’t want him in Saudi Arabia and he doesn’t want to go to Saudi Arabia anyway? And if he’s the champion, and they have a show coming up? Yes, that’s absolutely a factor. And it’s a really good point.”

Getting Over

Whether the Saudis will admit it or not, Sami Zayn is the most naturally ‘over’ star competing in WWE today.

On his show, Meltzer discussed Zayn not having ‘the look’ of a top guy, and recalled when Bryan Danielson and CM Punk got ‘over’ years earlier.

“Even if they’re over, in the minds of the people making the decisions, it’s ‘they’re over with our audiences, but they can’t really be over [in the mainstream.’] I’ve always argued that the test of who can get over is who gets over. There is no set thing.

“I’ve always argued that the test of who can get over is who gets over.”

Dave Meltzer.

“Guys have gotten over and drawn big, big, giant, giant [numbers.] Mainstream stars have gotten over in different parts of the world and the country and everything like that, and they didn’t necessarily have to fit into this Roman Reigns look, not that there’s anything wrong with Roman Reigns.”

After being found not guilty during the trial on this week’s Raw, Zayn will face a final challenge at tonight’s WWE Royal Rumble event.

Zayn isn’t confirmed for the Men’s Rumble match, but his real-life best friend Kevin Owens will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Is a 38-year-old Montreal-born wrestler who once donned the masked persona of ‘El Generico’ on the cusp of becoming the next face of WWE?

Sami Zayn’s popularity with wrestling fans is truly impossible to deny, with the Honorary Uce winning over crowds around the globe with his role in the Bloodline.

Zayn’s journey with the group began in April 2022 when he tried to curry favor with Roman Reigns’ faction, a plan that has clearly paid off.

The Face of WWE?

Since losing their tag match to John Cena and Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn has felt the ire of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

After being found not guilty on this week’s Raw (thanks to a last-minute defense by Jey Uso) Zayn was told that he will face a final challenge at tomorrow’s Royal Rumble.

While Zayn has proven his loyalty to the Bloodline time and time again, many feel it is just a matter of time before e and Reigns face off.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Zayn was asked about the prospect of dethroning the most dominant champion of the last three decades.

“If we’re being honest, I mean, I don’t know, I can win the World title. I could carry it for a while. I could go do talk shows, I could do all that stuff. I don’t know if I’m the guy you could necessarily hitch your wagon to for the next five to ten years and like face of the company for the next five to ten years.”

“I’m not as big as say Roman or Cena or Brock or whoever and that’s typically the guy who’s the head.”

Sami Zayn.

“If nothing else, I’m somewhat realistic about my physical [appearance.] I’m not as big as say Roman or Cena or Brock or whoever and that’s typically the guy who’s the head at that scene. Because they [WWE] want a certain projection for the long haul.”

World Champion

Zayn may be pessimistic about becoming the next face of WWE, but that doesn’t mean World Championship glory will allude him.

In the interview, Zayn spoke about the possibility of being champion, and says it would be an excellent payoff, as long as the story is done correctly.

“Could I win the world title? I think, especially because of the way the story’s done… if you do it right, fans will buy it and get into it. So I think at this point, the way it’s been built, and I’m not saying this is what’s going to happen. But if it was me and Roman at WrestleMania, and I beat Roman, if we did it right like we’ve been doing it right the past nine month, nobody’s going to go ‘bogus. I’m out. I can’t take that.’ Because we’ve done it right.”

Even if he wasn’t to become the ‘face’ of WWE, Zayn was confident he would represent the company proudly as champion.

“I think I could be a guy who carries that title six months. Go on Jimmy Fallon, make a couple of jokes, have him do that fake laugh that he does. All that good stuff. Sure I could do that. Sure. I could probably do that in my sleep to be honest. But it’s just I understand the company’s projection of what they see as the face of the company.”

“I could be a guy who carries that title.”

Sami Zayn.

“Being the champion and being the face are almost two different things, and I think I could be the champion. No problem. As far as being the guy that they’re like ‘number one, he’s our guy, he’s the poster-boy. He’s the ultimate representation of what our company is.’ I know physically I don’t fit that mold.”

Reigns will face Zayn’s real-life best friend Kevin Owens with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble.

Factors beyond WWE’s control led to the Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony scheduled for tonight’s Raw being scrapped.

The segment was promoted as featuring every generation of the Anoa’I wrestling family, in a ceremony focussed on Roman Reigns.

Last week, WWE announced that the segment had been replaced with ‘The Trial of Sami Zayn.’

Scrapped

WWE’s promise of every generation of the Bloodline appearing had fabs excited, but it was a promise the company couldn’t deliver on.

In an F4WOnline update, Dave Meltzer reported that a series of absences ultimately led to WWE ditching the ceremony.

It is noted that the Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika) were originally going to play a large part in the ceremony, but neither was going to be able to make it to Raw.

Rikishi, the father of The Usos and Solo Sikoa is dealing with an illness and would not have made the show either.

The report refuted rumors that The Rock not being at Raw led to the segment being scrapped, saying he was never scheduled to appear.

The Trial of Sami Zayn

Instead of an acknowledgment ceremony, the Bloodline will be all business on tonight’s Raw.

Sami Zayn has been at odds with the group ever since he ate the pin during his and Reigns’ tag match against Kevin Owens and John Cena on the final SmackDown of 2022.

The match marked the second time in 2022 that Reigns lost a match (the first being by DQ at the Royal Rumble against Seth Rollins.)

While Reigns wasn’t pinned, the loss to Cena and Owens was the first clean defeat for the Tribal Chief since 2019.

Sami Zayn may be the Bloodline’s Honorary Uce, but recent comments may have jeopardized that position.

Zayn has been associated with the group for close to a year now and has routinely helped out other faction members in matches.

The Canadian wrestler has had some tensions with the group, most notably with Jey Uso last year who didn’t believe he belonged.

Becoming WWE Champion

As a member of the Bloodline, Zayn’s role is to protect Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns from all potential challengers.

With that in mind, Zayn has dreams of becoming WWE’s top champion himself, as he explained to the Detroit News.

“When you get this close and you’re in the in the periphery of the WWE title, it makes you think, well, I’m already here, maybe winning it’s not totally unrealistic. That would for sure be like a cherry on top of everything else. If it happens, awesome. If it doesn’t happen, it still would have all been awesome.”

Sami Zayn.

Zayn’s former best friend Kevin Owens will face Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship next weekend at the Royal Rumble.

While Zayn hasn’t been declared yet for the Men’s Rumble match, some are considering him a dark-horse favorite in the 30-man bout.

Reflecting on his Career

Prior to coming to WWE in 2013, Zayn worked as El Generico in various promotions and has had plenty of success both in and out of the mask.

Reflecting on what he’s accomplished, Sami is proud of what he’s done, even though he is yet to have a WWE World title reign to his name.

“Whatever happens, I’m good. It could end tomorrow, and knock on wood, I really hope it doesn’t, but I would feel very complete and very satisfied with everything I’ve ever done.”

Sami Zayn.

h/t – Fightful

Kevin Owens has nothing but praise for Sami Zayn amidst how much he’s gotten over with the current Bloodline storyline.

For the past several weeks, Sami Zayn has received quite a bit of praise for his involvement in his current storyline alongside The Bloodline on WWE TV. The angle has seen his longtime friend, Kevin Owens, now enter the fold as an opposing force.

Speaking on the Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg this week, Owens offered his thoughts on the angle. Owens had nothing but positive things to say about Zayn and how much he’s taken off with the current storyline. He also praised Zayn for how consistently entertaining he’s been even before the storyline began.

“He’s always been unbelievable, definitely one of the best in the world, to me, in the last decade at least if not longer, but for some reason, he was never really — again, talk about the people who don’t get the credit they deserve, he was one of those guys.

“And now, people are really like taking notice. But to me, even if you go back a few months before this stuff with Bloodline, you go back to his match with Johnny Knoxville, the match he had at Wrestlemania with those guys, that was all him, all him. And that was pretty incredible.

“I think several members of our roster could’ve done a pretty good job at it. I don’t think anybody, anybody, could’ve done it like he did. It is great to see him get the credit he deserves and the respect from our audience, and the respect from the people in charge. It’s been a great thing to see for sure.”

Zayn has been with WWE for nearly a decade now. Over the course of that time he has racked up an NXT Title run and three Intercontinental Title wins. Currently, as an “Honorary Uce” with The Bloodline, many are expecting Zayn to eventually be kicked out of the faction, leading to a reunion with Owens.

It remains to be seen if that’s the way WWE will decide to take things.

Quotes via 411Mania

The story of Sami Zayn and The Bloodline is one of the top acts of not only WWE but the wrestling world right now. The Miz believes that he is the ‘Michael Scott’ of WWE because a show can easily be built around him.

The former WWE champion recently joined Brian Baumgartner for his Off The Beat podcast. Baumgartner is known for his role of Kevin Malone in the Office series. He asked the WWE star which characters from the series he would compare himself to. The Miz mentioned how he would want to be Michael Scott but it doesn’t fit his life:

“I’d wanna be Michael Scott, to be honest. But here’s the thing though, I can’t be Michael Scott. Because I feel like I’m Jim [Halpert]. Because on Miz and Mrs, which is my reality show on the USA Network, I do the Jim look to the camera almost every episode.

The reason I do that – so I love what Greg Daniels in all your interviews with all the different characters, the crew, the cast, you know, from your makeup people, the casting directors, I loved all those interviews to hear the insights of reasonings on why. I believe the reason that Jim would look at the camera is because it’s so absurd that someone needs to bring reality to this. ‘Is this really happening?’ kind of look, and Jim would always have that look.

‘I Have To Give That Jim Look’: The Miz

The Miz continued the explanation saying that absurd things happen in his day-to-day life so he relates to Jim more. As for Michael Scott, the former IC champion compared him to none other than Sami Zayn:

“So in my reality show, if something so absurd is happening, and trust me, in my real day to day life, absurd things happen that you won’t believe is happening, but it really is. So I have to give that Jim look to the camera to show ‘I’m in on this with you. I know this is ridiculous, but it’s really funny.’ So I kind of stole that from the office because I love the show so much. So I would say I’m Jim.

Michael Scott is the lead. Every story can revolve around him, right? So I would say gosh, it’d have to be like Roman Reigns or a John Cena. Granted it’s not the comedy aspect of [the character], it’s not the airhead aspect of it. I wouldn’t call him airhead but you know what I’m talking about like, he’s just so absurd. So I would say as a lead actor, you’d have to have like a Cena or Roman Reigns as your Michael Scott. But with the comedy aspect, I mean Sami Zayn is doing some really funny stuff in WWE. The whole show can revolve around his character, so he could also be that Michael Scott.”

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• Shawn Michaels Reveals WrestleMania Match He Came Up With In The Middle Of The Night
• The Miz Reveals Acting Advice From The Rock
• Booker T Tells Hilarious Story Of His First Singles Title Win In WCW
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If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

Sami Zayn’s contributions to The Bloodline have gradually garnered the respect and attention of many professional wrestling fans. In addition, Zayn’s clutch performance at Survivor Series: WarGames granted his team the win, and perfectly encapsulated the much-needed payoff after months’ worth of pleading his way into the faction.

After Zayn’s loss to Johnny Knoxville at WrestleMania 38 in April, he needed to get himself back on the right track personally, and with the SmackDown locker room. So, he turned to “The Head of the Table” Roman Reigns. In the months that followed, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion emerged as a serious star and integral member of The Bloodline stable — later earning the title of “Honorary Uce.”

Now, Zayn, Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy and Jey Uso remain atop WWE programming, holding possession of the company’s stop prizes, the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and Undisputed Tag Team Championships.

Planting The Seeds

Before Sami Zayn and Roman Reign’s on-screen relationship even budded, the seeds for the storyline were planted six months before. In a recent appearance on Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg, Zayn provided some insight into when the idea first sprung up.

“Well, I won’t pull the curtain back too much, but the idea was kicked just about a year ago actually….The first time I think there was any interaction between myself and the Bloodline was just after WrestleMania [38]. But in actuality, the idea was first discussed going into Survivor Series of last year,” he revealed.

“I was doing this whole thing where I was on SmackDown, I was the longest-tenured member of SmackDown as the locker room leader,” Zayn continued.” I thought there’d be something interesting there with the locker room leader and ‘The Head of the Table’. The premise sort of being, the ‘Head of the Table’ isn’t in that locker room anymore.”

“I wasn’t originally envisioning being a full-blown member of the Bloodline or anything like that, just something to where Roman and I can occasionally get on screen together in sort of a light-hearted way and I’m giving him these reports of what’s going on and here’s what he needs to be careful for. Every once in a while, I get things kicked my way too. That was sort of the idea. That was the kernel, or the little seed.”

Getting ‘The Tribal Chief’ On Board

Zayn then revealed that Roman Reigns was also aboard the early discussions, noting Reign’s prior public statement to work with him someday. “It was talked about with Roman as well,” Zayn confirmed.

“We were sitting at catering one day, and I heard an interview that he did with Ariel Helwani where he was very kind towards me and just saying nice things about me as an on-screen character, and thinks he’d like to do something down the road with me one day. We got to talking and I don’t remember exactly how it went, but it was a mutual thing.”

Sami Zayn was recently interviewed by Peter Rosenberg on the Cheap Heat podcast and said he would like to work with AEW World Champion MJF.

Maxwell captured the title from Jon Moxley in the main event of AEW Full Gear on November 19th. William Regal then slid MJF the brass knuckles and he punched Moxley with them to win the title. On this past Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite, MJF attacked Regal with the brass knuckles and introduced a new title design.

• 11 Best Moments from AEW Full Gear 2022

Sami Zayn competed in the main event of WWE Survivor Series WarGames last weekend. The Honorary Uce was the reason The Bloodline picked up the victory at the premium live event. Zayn hit Kevin Owens with a low blow, a Helluva Kick, and Jey followed it up with a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory.

• 8 Best Moments from WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2022

Peter Rosenberg asked Sami Zayn if there was anyone outside of WWE that he would like to work with and Sami thought about it for a bit before naming MJF.

AEW World Champion MJF took to Twitter to respond and called Sami the Salt of the Earth.

Sami is Salt of the Earth.

– MJF

The AEW World Champion recently appeared on Sam Roberts’ Wrestling Show and said that Sami Zayn is one of the most entertaining wrestlers on the planet.

MJF’s first AEW World Championship defense will be against Ricky Starks at Dynamite: Winter is coming on December 14th. Starks won the World Title Eliminator tournament to earn the title shot. Ricky will also be in the Battle Royal this Wednesday for the Dynamite Diamond Ring. MJF has won the ring the past three years.

Sami Zayn has become one of the most popular superstars in WWE. His journey to acceptance by The Bloodline has captivated the WWE Universe.

The Honorary Uce hit Kevin Owens with a low blow at Survivor Series WarGames and the crowd cheered. They cheered even harder after Sami shared a hug with Roman Reigns and Jey Uso after the match.

Sami hit KO with a Helluva Kick and then stepped aside so Jey Uso could have the moment. Jey hit Kevin with a Frog Splash to pick up the victory for The Bloodline over The Brawling Brutes, Drew McIntyre, and Kevin Owens in the men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series.

• 5 Funniest Moments of Sami Zayn & The Bloodline

Ric Flair Doesn’t Enjoy Sami Zayn Being Funny

Ric Flair hung up his boots for good (or for now) at the Ric Flair’s Last Match event this past summer in Nashville. He teamed up with his son-in-law, Andrade El Idolo, to defeated Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.

Flair currently hosts his To Be The Man podcast and shared his thoughts on Sami Zayn in The Bloodline during a recent episode.

H/T: WrestlingNews.co

Sami Zayn proved his worth to The Bloodline this past Saturday night at WWE Survivor Series WarGames.

• 8 Best Moments from WWE Survivor Series 2022

In the main event, The Bloodline squared off against The Brawling Brutes, Drew McIntyre, and Kevin Owens in the men’s WarGames match. Kevin Owens approached Sami Zayn outside The Bloodline’s locker room on WWE SmackDown the night prior.

KO suggested that Sami Zayn turn his back on The Bloodline before they betray him. Jey Uso was listening in and Sami denied talking to anyone when he was questioned. At Survivor Series, Jey informed Roman Reigns about Sami’s lie and the Tribal Chief called the Honorary Uce into his office.

Sami promised Roman that he had The Bloodline’s back and proved it at Survivor Series. Zayn hit Kevin Owens with a low blow and then offered him to Jey Uso. Jey climbed to the top rope and hit a Frog Splash to win the match for The Bloodline. Sami hugged Roman and Jey after the match and The Bloodline is now stronger than ever.

Sami Zayn Gets Solo Sikoa to Break Character

Solo Sikoa is The Enforcer of The Bloodline but couldn’t keep it together at a WWE Live Event on the day following Survivor Series WarGames.

• 5 Funniest Moments of Sami Zayn and The Bloodline in WWE

The Honorary Uce grabbed the microphone and hyped Solo Sikoa and complimented him on what he did during the WarGames match. Sami introduced Sikoa by saying:

Sikoa can be seen trying his best not to crack up during Sami’s intro in the video below.

The tension between Jey Uso and Sami Zayn has finally eased.

Within the last few months, former Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn integrated himself into WWE’s most dominant faction today, The Bloodline. Though met with open arms from Solo Sikoa and one-half of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Jimmy Uso, Zayn immediately lost favor with the other half, Jey Uso.

Upon Zayn’s promotion to “Honorary Uso,” Jey was not pleased, revealing his distrust for the new Bloodline addition. In the weeks following, Jey and Sami continued to clash, leading to an intervention from “The Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns on an episode of SmackDown. There, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion demanded that the two solve their issues.

Accordingly, Zayn apologized and attempted to find peace with Jey, telling Reigns that the Uso had lost his “Ucey” feeling lately. Reigns then warned Jey that if he couldn’t find his “inner Ucey again,” then he’d promote Sami Zayn to “full-blown Uce” in his place.

Zayn then received a chance to possibly earn that “full Uso” status at Survivor Series: WarGames. The Bloodline tackled the likes of Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Butch, Ridge Holland and Kevin Owens inside the Men’s WarGames match this past Saturday, and with Zayn’s assistance, they prevailed. As Owens landed a Stunner on Reigns, Zayn jumped in to stop the referee from completing the pinfall count. Then, Zayn delivered a low blow and a helluva kick to his former friend, allowing Jey Uso to land a splash to gain the win for The Bloodline.

• 5 Funniest Moments of Sami Zayn and The Bloodline in WWE

Sami Zayn & Jey Uso Bury The Hatchet

Following their victory, Sami and Jey shared a celebratory embrace, effectively ending their internal rivalry, and cementing Zayn’s loyalty to The Bloodline.

The celebration didn’t end there though.

The next night, Sami and Jey were paired up once again, alongside Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa in a WWE live event tag team match. On Sunday from Portland, Maine, the four took on familiar opponents in the form of Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, and The Brawling Brutes. Amidst the bout, Sami Zayn and Jey Uso added a handshake onto their hug, in a smiling moment shared between the two.

• Best Moments of The Usos Historic Tag Title Reign

It appears Jey Uso has finally found his “inner Ucey” again, courtesy of Sami Zayn.

The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos, Sami Zayn, & Solo Sikoa) were victorious over Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Butch, Ridge Holland & Kevin Owens in the Men’s WarGames match at Saturday’s WWE Survivor Series. 

At the end of the match, Reigns and Owens mixed things up, only for Owens to nearly beat Reigns with the Stunner, but Zayn, a good friend of Owens, stopped the referee from counting to three. To further prove his loyalty to the faction, he hit a low blow to Owens than the big boot to set up Jey, hitting a splash off the top rope for the win. 

• 5 Funniest Moments of Sami Zayn and The Bloodline in WWE

Paul Heyman’s Praise

At the post-event press conference, Paul Heyman and Zayn spoke about the big win with media members. Heyman praised Zayn’s work since joining The Bloodline.

“Sami brings a dynamic that none of us were prepared for and we are prepared for everything. And what Sami also brings is a connection with the audience that none of us can have because we’ve been too busy being the top act in the entire industry for over two years.”

Heyman said Zayn is the guy that does a guest spot on a TV series and ends up being part of the regular cast because of his passion and talent. 

“Sami Zayn was on the opposite side of Kevin Owens tonight. Kevin Owens was on a different team, he chose to be on that team. If anybody was disloyal to anybody, Kevin Owens was disloyal to Sami Zayn. He put Sami Zayn in a terrible position of having to pick his best friend or The Bloodline, the greatest faction in the history of the industry, the top star in the industry Roman Reigns, and the acceptance of Roman Reigns which makes all of us relevant. And Sami was not disloyal to Kevin Owens. He took on his opponent. He showed his loyalty to The Bloodline.”

• Best Moments of The Usos Historic Tag Title Reign

H/T to WrestleZone for the transcription 

Sami Zayn was confident that his work in the Bloodline would go well, but even he has been blown away by just how popular it has been.

Zayn has been aligned with the faction for months now and was crowned the Honorary Uce on SmackDown last month by Roman Reigns.

Tomorrow night, Zayn and the rest of the Bloodline will enter WarGames against the Brawling Brutes, Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens.

• 5 Funniest Moments of Sami Zayn and The Bloodline in WWE

Strange Beginnings

Prior to becoming an official member, Zayn had been trying to worm his way into the group for months.

Speaking on After the Bell, Zayn explained how at first glimpse, the idea of a Syrian-Canadian being part of the Anoa’I wrestling dynasty must seem odd.

“It’s not something you predict ahead of time. It’s not something that you want to see or would think would make sense. But in the execution [it has worked.]

“The concept is a bit strange. All the Bloodline is a family, and here’s this person who is clearly not family. The whole thing doesn’t make sense on paper. But it’s the perfect example of when things work in execution more than they do on paper.”

“All the Bloodline is a family, and here’s this person who is clearly not family.”

Sami Zayn on his role with The Bloodline.

The Execution

On paper, Sami Zayn in the Bloodline shouldn’t work, but not only has it worked, but it has become arguably the most popular act in WWE today.

Zayn admitted that the execution of the idea has proven to be the difference maker, and it’s not the first time that a strange idea has been pulled off by the right person.

“There are so many things that I think you could say the same about. The easiest one that we often fall back to, just as an example: the People’s Elbow. If you wrote down ‘Rock comes up with a new move called the People’s Elbow, where he stands over the guy and does this,’ it doesn’t read like something that’s going to become iconic.”

“It’s the execution. It’s the performer, the time, and the place, and all these variables that make it magic and make it special.”

Sami Zayn.

Speaking to BBC Radio 1 in 2020, Triple H, the first recipient of the People’s Elbow, said that The Rock invented the move as a way to make his opponents crack up and break character.

Exceeding Expectations

Sami Zayn spent years as a lovable underdog babyface, but it is perhaps his role as the heelish Honorary Uce, that has proven to be his most popular work.

When asked, Zayn said he was confident in his own abilities, but he could not predict just how ‘over’ his role in the Bloodline has been.

“I’m not entirely surprised at the success of the segments that we’ve done, but it has still exceeded my expectations.”

“I knew it would be good, but I didn’t think that fans would take to it the way they have.”

Sami Zayn.

Zayn has proven to be so popular, that fans were chanting for him in Saudi Arabia, despite Sami not attending any Saudi shows due to his Syrian heritage.

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Sami Zayn was conspicuous by his absence on this week’s episode of SmackDown on FOX.

The show saw The Usos successfully defend their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against the New Day, and celebrated after the match with Roman Reigns.

Tomorrow, The Usos will officially reach the record for the longest-reigning WWE Tag Team Champions of all time, eclipsing the New Day.

Zayn’s Absence

Zayn was nowhere to be seen during SmackDown, despite often being a highlight of the show.

WWE explained Zayn’s absence as due to ‘personal reasons,’ which may, unfortunately, be tragic.

On Twitter, Zayn shared the below message:

When translated from Arabic to English reads “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”

The phrase is a common prayer used in Islam after the death of someone close.

Zayn has not confirmed publicly whether he has lost a loved one and WWE has not confirmed when Zayn’s next on-screen appearance will be.

Survivor Series

Though Zayn didn’t appear on SmackDown, The Bloodline fought the Brawling Brutes in the main-event segment.

Though Reigns, The Usos, and Solo Sikoa had the advantage, Drew McIntyre tied the numbers for the Brutes.

While not confirmed, it is believed that the two sides will square off later this month at Survivor Series WarGames.

The WarGames match will see Zayn reunite with his Bloodline comrades to face the Brutes, McIntyre and a fifth member yet to be announced.

Sami Zayn has become incredibly popular with WWE fans as the Honorary Uce of The Bloodline and even folks that were critical of him in the past have started to notice.

He spent months trying to earn the respect of the Tribal Chief and finally achieved it. Jey Uso has become jealous of Sami’s inclusion in The Bloodline and there is an underlying tension between the two superstars.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns instructed Sami and Jey to work out their differences on a recent episode of SmackDown. The Honorary Uce wanted a truce but Jey said he’s not a part of The Bloodline because he isn’t blood.

Zayn noted that the Tribal Chief told them to work this out and Jey shouted that he didn’t give a damn what Reigns had to say. Jey calmed things down by suggesting that Jey simply hasn’t been feeling very “Ucey” lately.

Roman and Jey broke character and started laughing in the ring as the crowd chanted “Ucey!”. Reigns warned Jey that he’s going to rename the Honorary Uce as Sami Uso if he doesn’t get his head straight.

• 3 Ways Sami Zayn Could Destroy The Bloodline

Sami Zayn Reacts to Praise from Jim Cornette

The Honorary Uce has received praise from the unlikeliest of sources. Wrestling legend Jim Cornette recently praised Sami Zayn on his podcast and said that he might just be his favorite wrestler on television at the moment.

Wrestling News tweeted out Jim Cornette’s quote and Sami reacted by simply saying “my…dawg?”.

Jim Cornette has been critical of Sami in the past for his time working with him in Ring of Honor. You can check out Cornette’s review of the “Ucey” promo below.

WWE held a press conference today in Saudi Arabia ahead of tomorrow’s Crown Jewel premium live event.

The show will air live from Riyadh and will feature several title matches. Bianca Belair will defend the RAW Women’s Championship against Bayley in a Last Woman Standing match. Alexa Bliss & Asuka will put the Women’s Tag Team Championships on the line against Damage CTRL in a rematch from Monday’s episode of RAW.

Roman Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Logan Paul in the main event of WWE Crown Jewel. The Tribal Chief is closing in on 800 days as champion and will do so if he’s able to defeat Logan Paul tomorrow at Crown Jewel.

• 5 Opponents for Roman Reigns after WWE Crown Jewel

Roman Reigns Tells WWE Fans in Saudi Arabia They Don’t Deserve Sami Zayn

Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Bianca Belair, Damage CTRL, Omos, Braun Strowman, The Bloodline, and Logan Paul appeared during the press conference today. One superstar that was noticeably absent from the conference was Sami Zayn.

• WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Preview

The Honorary Uce has never competed at a WWE event in Saudi Arabia and will not be at Crown Jewel tomorrow. Dave Meltzer reported in 2019 that the Saudi government had prohibited Sami from appearing at the shows because of his Syrian ethnicity.

During today’s press conference, the crowd loudly chanted “we want Sami!” several times. The Tribal Chief grabbed the microphone and told the crowd that they do not deserve the Honoracy Uce.

Sami posted the clip on Twitter with the caption “ICE COLD MY DAWG”.

The Tribal Chief recently spoke with ESPN ahead of his title match against Logan Paul at Crown Jewel tomorrow. Roman praised his opponent for catching on so quickly in WWE.

The Bloodline almost imploded last night on WWE SmackDown but Honorary Uce Sami Zayn saved the day.

Sami Zayn and Jey Uso argued at the beginning of the show until Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made his way to the ring. SmackDown announcer Michael Cole stated “daddy’s here!” as The Tribal Chief made his way to the ring.

Roman Reigns told Sami and Jey to work out their differences and the Honorary Uce wanted a truce. Jey wasn’t interested at all and Zayn noted that Roman wants them to work togehter.

Jey shouted that he didn’t care what The Tribal Chief thought and the audience let out a collective gasp. The Great Liberator stepped in and calmed the situation down.

Sami suggested that Jey hasn’t been feeling very “Ucey” lately and the crowd started chanting the word as Roman and Jey Uso cracked up in the ring.

The Tribal Chief regained his composure and told Jey that if he doesn’t work things out with the Honorary Uce, he was going to rename him to Sami Uso. The camera then cut to an elated Sami Zayn standing behind the Head of the Table.

Despite the growing tension within The Bloodline, the group appears to be on the same page once again. Earlier today, Honorary Uce Sami Zayn took to Twitter to ensure fans that everything is fine within The Bloodline.

Time will tell if The Bloodline are on the same page or not. The Usos are scheduled to defend their Undisputed Tag Team Championships against The Brawling Brutes at Crown Jewel. The Bloodline recently brutally attacked Sheamus on an episode of SmackDown.

• WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Preview

The storyline of Sami Zayn becoming a member of The Bloodline has captivated the WWE Universe.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns recently anointed Sami Zayn as the official Honorary Uce of The Bloodline and presented him with a new shirt. Sami was overcome with joy and celebrated with every member of The Bloodline besides Jey Uso.

Jey Uso is no fan of the Honorary Uce but has been instructed by The Tribal Chief to make things work. Time will tell if the tensions rise to a boiling point.

• 3 Ways Sami Zayn Could Destroy The Bloodline

Sami Zayn Comments on Issues with Jey Uso

Sami Zayn and The Enforcer of The Bloodline Solo Sikoa appeared on WWE’s The Bump today. The Honorary Uce admitted that things are starting to get a little weird with Jey Uso. Zayn added that he has known The Usos for a decade and has always gotten along with them prior to him being named an Honorary Uce.

The 38-year-old added that many fans don’t realize that they have been working well together as of late. Sami noted that when they are typically on the same page when they are ringside for each others’ matches.

H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa has made his presence felt on the main roster since arriving at Clash at the Castle.

He is the younger brother of Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos and the son of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi.

The 29-year-old has become The Enforcer of The Bloodline and recently demolished Ricochet & Madcap Moss for questioning if Sami Zayn was actually a member of The Bloodline. Solo captured the NXT North American Championship from Carmelo Hayes on the September 13th edition of NXT but was forced to relinquish the title a week later.

Sikoa defeated Madcap Moss on the September 16th edition of SmackDown to retain the title.

Solo Sikoa On Sami Zayn Being In The Bloodline

Solo joined Peter Rosenberg on the latest episode of The Ringer’s Cheap Heat podcast. During the conversation, Rosenberg noted that he sees a lot of Rikishi and Umaga in Sikoa. He asked Solo if there were any wrestlers that influenced him and he listed off several names from his family including Umaga, Yokozuna, The Usos, and Rikishi.

Solo Sikoa spoke about Sami Zayn and referred to the Honorary Uce as a little bother.

Peter asked if wrestlers backstage pull Solo Sikoa aside and give him advice. Sikoa stated that happens from time to time but his brothers in The Bloodline usually take care of that.

If you use quotes from this article, please credit Cheap Heat with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

Roman Reigns officially made Sami Zayn the Honorary Uce of The Bloodline on a recent edition of SmackDown and Jey Uso isn’t having it.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns told Solo Sikoa that he answers to him now and the former NXT North American Champion acknowledged his Tribal Chief. As The Bloodline was about to exit the ring, Sami stopped them and acknowledged The Tribal Chief as well.

Reigns then made it seem like he was going to kick Sami out of the group and instructed Jey to rip Sami’s Bloodline T-shirt off and Jey obliged. The Tribal Chief presented Zayn with the new Honorary Uce shirt and Jey was beside himself.

The Honorary Uce took to Twitter a couple of days ago and sent a message to his fellow Bloodline member. Sami used a screen shot of Jey’s face when the Honorary Uce was given his new shirt by the Tribal Chief.

Jey Uso Responds To Sami Zayn

Jey Uso responded to Sami’s message earlier today on The Usos’ official Twitter account. He claimed that the hard times he has gone through in his life have sharpened him. The tag team champion added that trust is earned in The Bloodline and he sees through Sami Zayn.

Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa have recently bonded on SmackDown. The two teamed up together on this past Friday’s episode of the blue brand and defeated Madcap Moss and Ricochet in a tag team match.

• 3 Ways Sami Zayn Could Destroy The Bloodline

Is WWE’s Sami Zayn the top performer in all of professional wrestling today? ‘Hurricane’ Shane Helms certainly thinks so.

Zayn joined WWE in 2013 and was called up to the main roster in 2016.

A former NXT Champion and three-time Intercontinental Champion, Zayn has been featured prominently in recent months as part of the Bloodline.

The Top Performer?

Zayn has entertained fans with his antics trying to become part of the Bloodline, but this is just the latest in a series of successes for the former NXT Champion.

On a recent edition of the After the Bell podcast, Helms praised Zayn’s career of popular moments (via Fightful.)

 “I have no problem saying this, Sami is the top performer in this entire industry. That’s how good Sami is. It’s daunting sometimes, Sami has a reputation you know. He’ll drive you bananas, but the end result is always a home run or grand slam.

“Sami [Zayn] is the top performer in this entire industry.”

Hurricane Shane Helms.

“[His WrestleMania match with Johnny Knoxville] was definitely a grand slam. He was the perfect guy for that. His personality and Johnny’s, they were so [compatible] to each other, using all the members of all the Jackass crew and all of the gadgets.”

Tensions in the Bloodline

On last week’s SmackDown, Zayn was officially added to the Bloodline, being given the shirt as an ‘Honorary Uce.’

While the group has welcomed him, Jey Uso isn’t buying Sami’s allegiance to the group.

In a backstage segment this week, Jey told Zayn “I see right through you” and has vowed to take Sami out if he does anything to hurt the Bloodline.

Sami Zayn’s journey to becoming an Honorary UCE has been wildly entertaining and some of the best content WWE has produced in years.

On Friday’s episode of SmackDown, Roman Reigns made it seem like The Bloodline was finally going to betray Sami. The Honorary Uce had spent months trying to join the group despite Jey Uso’s objections. The Tribal Chief demanded that Sami remove his The Bloodline shirt after he dared to speak.

Roman instructed Jey to rip off the shirt and Uso obliged. The Locker Room leader stood in the ring, shirtless and heartbroken, as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion continued to mock him. Reigns then suddenly changed his tune and tossed him a new “Honorary Uce” shirt to signify he’s a member of The Bloodline. Sami quickly put on the shirt, acknowledged Roman as his Tribal Chief and gave him a hug to end the segment.

While the ideal situation for Sami would be to become Intercontinental Champion and bring more gold to The Bloodline, the odds are that eventually the group will view him as expendable.

When the time comes, here are three ways The Great Liberator can destroy The Bloodline:

With An Old Friend

The Usos have been Undisputed Tag Team Champions for an incredible 433 days. Sami’s old friend and rival, Kevin Owens, recently tried to talk some sense into The Locker Room Leader but Sami wasn’t hearing it.

Jey Uso then battled Kevin Owens in a singles match and Sami had the opportunity to hit KO with a steel chair but opted not to. This led to Jey getting angry at Sami and taking his eyes off of Owens. Kevin then planted Jey with the Stunner for the pinfall victory.

KO has not held a championship in WWE since he was United States Champion in 2017. He’s never held a tag team championship in the company. It would make sense for Kevin to come to Sami’s rescue if The Bloodline ever turns its back on him. The Usos versus Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens is a match the WWE Universe would certainly be excited about.

From Within

Solo Sikoa made his main roster debut at Clash at the Castle during the main event. Roman Reigns defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre at the Premium Live Event in Cardiff, Wales. It appeared that Drew was going to walk out as the new champion but Sikoa interfered. The Tribal Chief was able to capitalized with his third Spear of the night to retain the championship.

Sikoa then went on to win the NXT North American Championship, successfully defend the title against Madcap Moss on an episode of SmackDown, only to have it stripped from him on the following NXT because was not “sanctioned to compete” in the title match against Carmela Hayes.

Despite those questionable booking decisions, one thing that is not in question is Solo’s admiration for the Honorary Uce. Sikoa has shown no animosity towards Zayn and that has only caused Jey Uso to get more frustrated. Sikoa had his main roster debut match against Drew McIntyre on the September 9th edition of SmackDown.

Solo said he wanted to go into the match alone but told Sami that he appreciates his offer to help him. Jey got frustrated and said that the entire Bloodline would be ringside for the match. On Friday’s episode of SmackDown, Ricochet and Madcap Moss had a conversation with Sami Zayn backstage. They tried to tell him that he’s not actually a part of The Bloodline and Solo brutally attacked them.

It was later announced that Sami & Solo will battle Madcap & Ricochet next week in a tag team match. Sami and Solo could team up against The Usos if The Bloodline were to ever implode, or Zayn could have Sikoa’s back if he decides he’s done answering to The Tribal Chief.

On His Own

Sami Zayn is a former NXT Champion and a three-time Intercontinental Champion. Much like Kevin Owens, he also has never been a tag team champion in the company. Unlike Kevin Owens, he’s never held a major championship in WWE. Owens captured the Universal Championship in 2016 after Triple H betrayed Seth Rollins and hit him with a Pedigree.

This scenario seems highly unlikely, but this is wrestling so anything can happen. Sami’s already become one of the more entertaining parts of SmackDown as he tries to fit in with The Bloodline, it’s hard to imagine how popular he’d be if he was the underdog that refused to stand down against them.

Zayn versus Reigns looks and sounds like a mismatch because it is. However, Daniel Bryan versus Triple H was a mismatch. Daniel Bryan versus Batista and Randy Orton in a Triple Threat was a mismatch.

The crowd bought it because they were invested in Daniel Bryan because he is one of the greatest wrestlers on the planet that also has the ability to connect with fans. In my opinion, Sami has already proven to be more than a B+ player because he made a match with Johnny Knoxville memorable. It is a long shot, but in a weird way it could be what is “best for business”.

How would you like to see the storyline between Sami Zayn and The Bloodline play out? Let us know in the comments section below.

Solo Sikoa had to relinquish the North American Championship on tonight’s episode of NXT.

The newest Bloodline member captured the title from Carmelo Hayes but was forced to vacate the title tonight at the beginning of NXT. Shawn Michaels, Carmelo Hayes, and Solo Sikoa opened the show backstage.

Hayes was supposed to defend the title against Wes Lee but couldn’t compete following an attack from Trick Williams and Carmelo. Solo stepped in as a replacement for Wes Lee and won the title.

Shawn Michaels said that Sikoa had to vacate the title because he wasn’t sanctioned to compete in the match last week. It should be noted that Sikoa successfully defended the NXT North American Championship last Friday on SmackDown as well. Shawn Michaels announced that there will be a ladder match in six weeks at Halloween Havoc to crown the new champion.

The Bloodline React To Solo Sikoa Being Stripped Of The NXT North American Championship

Shortly after he relinquished the title, Solo hopped on Twitter and claimed that he is already looking for more gold. He also took a shot at Carmelo Hayes and said “I beat you. You never beat me. That’s all that matters. See you at SmackDown, if you make it there.

Honorary Uce Sami Zayn vented his frustration about Solo being stripped of the title and clarified that his jovial profile picture had nothing to do with what happened on tonight’s NXT.

“I’ve just been informed about Solo Sikoa relinquishing the NXT North American Title. The jovial expression in my delightful #NewProfilePic has nothing to do with this news, it’s simply bad timing. Just got off the phone with my dawg & he’s doing well. Bigger, better things ahead!”

Sami Zayn is an Honorary Uce and a member of The Bloodline, but that doesn’t mean that everyone in the group gets along with him.

The Locker Room Leader spent months trying to become friends with The Usos and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Solo Sikoa recently joined The Bloodline and interfered in the main event of Clash at the Castle to help Roman retain the title. Roman, Solo, and Jimmy Uso all appear to get along with Sami but the same cannot be said for Jey Uso.

Solo Sikoa wrestled his first singles match on the main roster against Drew McIntyre on the September 9th edition of SmackDown. Before the match, Sami informed Solo Sikoa that The Bloodline will be here for him if he needs anything. Jey interrupted Sami and shouted that he already knows that. Sami responded with a brash “I know he know” and Sikoa said he wanted to do this on his own. Jey then changed his tune and suggested that the entire Bloodline accompany Solo to the ring for the match.

The Usos were ringside for Sami Zayn’s match against Ricochet on this past Friday’s episode of SmackDown. Ricochet hit Jey with a punch on the ring apron and Uso tried to get back into the ring for revenge. This resulted in the referee being distracted while Sami was going for the cover and allowed Ricochet to later pick up the win.

Sami Zayn Responds To Jey Uso Mocking Him

Sami Zayn took to Twitter today to respond to an image sent out by Jey Uso on Instagram. Jey posted a photo from yesterday’s press conference with Roman Reigns and Logan Paul for their Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5th. The photo showed everyone in The Bloodline posing but Sami had his face replaced with a clown emoji. Sami simply responded “damn my dawg” in response to Jey Uso.

The 38-year-old also refused to hit Kevin Owens with a steel chair in his recent match against Jey Uso on RAW. Kevin picked up the victory after connecting with the Stunner shortly after Sami opted not to attack him.