Jim Ross isn’t sold on Sami Zayn as WWE Champion. While praising Zayn as one of the company’s best performers, the Hall of Famer admitted he’s still not convinced he’s the wrestler WWE should be building its biggest show of the year around.
Speaking on Grilling JR, Ross was asked about Sami Zayn’s recent WWE Championship win. He made it clear this wasn’t about Zayn’s in-ring ability, saying he enjoys watching him wrestle, but questioned whether he’s the right choice to carry WWE’s top prize heading into WrestleMania.
“They’re trying to get Sami Zayn over, and they think he needs the title to do so. You can go through the annals of pro wrestling and find a lot of guys in that exact role that Sami Zayn is currently in.”
Ross explained that becoming WWE Champion comes with a different level of expectation than simply being a great wrestler. In his view, the person holding that title has to be someone the company can confidently build its biggest event around.
“He is a hell of a worker, but is he the guy you put in the main event of WrestleMania and feel good about it? I ain’t so sure about that. I don’t know if he has enough mass appeal. I’m not sure he’s over—underscore the word over—as much as he needs to be to be your #1 guy. And no matter what you say, in that company the #1 guy is the WWE Champion.”
Ross didn’t back away from that opinion either. Even while praising Zayn’s talent, he admitted he still has the same question whenever he thinks about WWE’s biggest stage.
“Hey, I like to watch him work. I think he’s very skilled. But again, is he the guy you put in the main event of WrestleMania? I’m not sure.”
At the same time, Ross also pointed to what he believes is part of the problem. Rather than putting all the blame on Zayn, he argued WWE hasn’t consistently positioned him in a way that would allow him to become the kind of top star the company now wants him to be.
“It’s because he hasn’t been put into positions consistently enough to give him a fighting chance to get over with the fanbase.”
Ross’s comments come just days after Zayn defeated CM Punk to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship on SmackDown. Whether Zayn proves Ross wrong over the coming months remains to be seen, but one thing is already clear—his title reign has people debating whether he’s the right person to carry WWE into WrestleMania season.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
Do you agree with Jim Ross, or do you think Sami Zayn has already proven he's the right choice to lead WWE as champion? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
