Sami Zayn is satisfied, but he's also hungry for more.
Over the past year, Zayn has become one of WWE's most popular stars. His character work with The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman) has widely been praised as some of the best storytelling in the wrestling world. The payoff to the lengthy rivalry came at WWE WrestleMania 39, where Zayn and Kevin Owens defeated The Usos to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Speaking on Whiskey Ginger with Andrew Santino ahead of WrestleMania 39, Zayn discussed his journey in the wrestling business. He looked back on his earlier days, when he realized that he could make good money. Zayn stated that he's not in it for the money; instead, he's chasing the blueprint that has already been established.
“Yeah, I was like, ‘Oh my god, that’s right. There’s a possibility of making really good money here one day. That’s why I’m here.’ But that’s not really why I’m here. I’m just chasing the blueprint, where you start here and you get here, and you get there, and one day you get on the big stage, and that’s just the blueprint. That’s just what you do. It’s like chasing, and I don’t know what you’re chasing, to be honest," Zayn said.
When asked to describe what he's chasing, Zayn admitted that he didn't know. He noted that, in many ways, he's at the pinnacle right now, as he's on television every week and performing at the highest level in a way that people emotionally connect with.
“I don’t know. I say that now because I’m at the pinnacle of it in a way, where I’m like, ‘Yeah, what are we even doing here?’ But I don’t know. You’re chasing where I’m at right now, which is to be on television every week, doing your art on the highest level for the highest emotional connection. You’re doing your best for the best, and getting the best out of it," Zayn said.
Santino then asked Zayn whether he's satisfied with his career. He questioned whether Zayn feels like he's hungry for more, while also feeling content with his accomplishments up to this point, and Zayn explained that he's satisfied, though he is hungry for more within reason.
“Absolutely. I’m hungry for…yes. I’m hungry for more, but within reason. I try not to let it, anyway, every now and again, some shallow stuff, you contend with that a little bit. You get caught up in the BS and you’re on the hamster wheel, and you get tunnel vision sometimes. But really, I just see the whole thing as a privilege. If it ended tomorrow, I’d be like, ‘Hey, man. Good run? I got to do more than most people ever get to do,'" he said.
Zayn went on to describe how he doesn't think too far ahead, and he has always focused on his immediate goals along each step of the process. He noted that he used this approach when he was starting out, and he has enjoyed the journey because he hasn't been purely focused on reaching the peak.
“Making it to WWE, in theory, when you’re starting, it seems like Mount Everest. It seems like an unattainable goal. I suppose you wouldn’t call it a dream, but a goal as well. So you kind of just preoccupy yourself with the immediate goals like getting booked in Montana or wherever it is. You have these immediate goals, and they’re so satisfying, and they lead to these slightly bigger goals, and it’s just this incremental growth. But if you enjoy the process along the way, and you’re not just fixated on getting to the peak, then the whole thing’s just gonna rule, and it has. That’s my thing. The whole thing has ruled," Zayn said.
Zayn previously discussed the success of his storyline with The Bloodline. Check out his comments here.
On the April 28 episode of WWE SmackDown, Zayn and Owens will defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship against The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso). Check out the card here.
At WWE Backlash, Zayn, Owens, and Matt Riddle will face The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa. More information is available here.
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