Sami Zayn’s big WWE Title win clearly meant a lot to fans, but it sounds like the people backstage were just as happy for him.
Sami became the new Undisputed WWE Champion at WWE Night of Champions after beating Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER in a Triple Threat Match at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was a huge career moment for Zayn, and now there is an update on how the locker room reacted.
During a Q&A session, WrestleVotes was asked about WWE’s backstage reaction to Sami finally winning the championship. The answer was pretty simple: people were thrilled. WrestleVotes said Sami is loved by just about everyone in WWE, from wrestlers to people working behind the scenes every week.
“This is something people have wanted for a very long time. Everybody loves Sami. That’s from in the ring to people who travel weekly, and it goes as far as the parking guys.”
That says a lot. Sami has been with WWE for more than a decade, and his journey to the top was not exactly quick. So when he finally got the title, it was not just another big finish on a premium live event. For a lot of people in the company, it was a long time coming. WrestleVotes then made it even clearer that Sami’s reputation backstage played a big part in the reaction.
“Sami Zayn is universally loved inside that company. I don’t think he has an enemy anywhere. People have been waiting for this, so I know the backstage reaction has been great.”
After the match, Sami made it clear this win was personal. He said plenty of people had doubted him along the way. Then he tried to put the moment into words in front of the crowd, but even he seemed overwhelmed by what had just happened. He eventually found his voice and fired back at anyone who ever questioned whether he deserved the title.
“Some bad and good — and lately, some bad. A lot of folks said I would never win the WWE Championship! But I stand here tonight in front of my people — the WWE Champion! It is hard to believe. Oh my God. Byron… you know I’m not usually at a loss for words, but I…
You know what? You’re DAMN RIGHT I deserve it! Twenty-plus years in the game at the highest level — never got the recognition. Ten-plus years chasing this title — never got the recognition. I don’t care what happens to me tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Forever, I will be Sami Zayn — W-W-E Champion!”.
So there it is. Sami Zayn has the title, the fan support, and apparently a lot of love behind the curtain as well. The hard part is what comes next, because WWE has to make sure the reign lives up to the moment.
What do you think of WWE’s backstage reaction to Sami Zayn becoming champion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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