Sami Zayn is arguably one of the most beloved characters on either the Raw or Smackdown Live rosters. As part of the Raw roster, Zayn could be counted on to show emotion in the ring, and consistently tell a story like few others can. Whether it was anguish, desperation or glee, he has consistently sold his emotion in the ring regardless of opponent. However, after feuding with Braun Strowman, Zayn didn't seem to have any direction.
The only role he appeared to have was to make those around him look better. While that is always important for any talent, in the case of Zayn, it appeared as though it was very one-sided, with little done for his character in the process. It reached a point where fans were becoming more and more disenchanted with him on Raw. That appears to have all changed, as Zayn is now a part of Smackdown Live.
Here are five reasons why Sami Zayn's move to Smackdown Live was perfect.
#5 The potential matchups that await Zayn
As part of the Smackdown Live roster, there are new and exciting potential matchups awaiting Zayn. While he has faced AJ Styles and Kevin Owens on a number of occasions, we could also see him challenge the likes of Tye Dillinger, Shinsuke Nakamura, Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler.
Zayn is clearly capable of working with anyone, and in doing so can also make them look better. One of the most interesting things about having Zayn on Smackdown Live is that his matchups won't be measured by how little time they have, either. In fact, we can be assured that the stories he will tell in the ring will be very exciting to see.
Fans will recall his outstanding match against Nakamura at NXT Takeover: Dallas, prior to Zayn joining Raw on a full-time basis. This shows fans what Zayn can do if he is given a chance and sufficient time. The prospective matchups are certainly exciting, no doubt!
#4 A number of anticipated rivalries could be coming Sami Zayn’s way
Since joining the Raw roster, Zayn had maybe two feuds with the brand. His longstanding feud with Kevin Owens is, of course, undisputed, and his brief exchange with Braun Strowman would be the second. So Zayn hasn't had many opportunities to have feuds with different talent.
This could change very soon; on Smackdown Live, we could see Zayn and Corbin have a long feud, combining their two very different styles, allowing something meaningful to occur between the two men. Another potential rivalry that could develop would involve two very talented workers, Zayn and Dolph Ziggler.
While a proposed match between the two for the Intercontinental championship at this past year's Survivor Series didn't happen, this could be the chance for a longstanding feud between them. The chances for Zayn to be part of a longstanding program are certainly there, and the possibilities are quite exciting to think about.
#3 There could be a number of title opportunities in Zayn’s future
While matchups and rivalries seem to move that would most benefit him, Zayn has the chance to hold a title, something that hasn't happened since he was brought to the promotion's main roster. In comparison, Zayn's greatest adversary, Kevin Owens, has captured the Intercontinental, the United States and the Universal championship.
Zayn has not only not captured a title, he hasn't been booked to even compete for a championship since last year's Wrestlemania. Fans may recall that during his time in NXT, Zayn was always being sold as the guy that couldn't win the big one. When he finally did achieve that success, he was immediately brought down to earth by the one person that he thought was his best friend.
The difference here is that Zayn can and should be given the opportunity to achieve on Smackdown Live. His addition to the brand could allow for Zayn to capture a championship from the one man that took away the only title he ever held in NXT; it would actually be quite fitting to see Zayn defeat Owens.
#2 Zayn’s role and placement on the roster should be different from his time on Raw
The term ‘curtain jerker' or ‘jobber' are a couple of the most unflattering of terms when it comes to talented wrestlers. There was a risk that they could have been applied to Sami Zayn, but now fans can look forward to seeing him on Smackdown Live. With the program only being two hours, the chance for Zayn to have prime television time is definitely there.
Fans can anticipate that Zayn could not just have matches that start off the show, but one in the middle or end of the program, closing out the show. His move to Smackdown Live creates time for Zayn to work in the ring, and develop his character on the mic.
The time where he is used to enhancing the likes of Rollins, Jericho, Strowman, and Owens have passed. Zayn was brought in because he can put on tremendous matches, and he is deserving of all the benefits that come from that. He isn't simply here to put over others, especially with his pedigree.
#1 Zayn deserves and has earned the opportunities
Whether he is billed as an underdog or the little engine that could, Sami Zayn can tell a story in the ring like very few on the roster. The company has seen this, and while they may be pleased with the commitment that Jinder Mahal has shown after his move to Smackdown Live, it is different for Zayn.
His commitment to his craft and willingness to put others over shows a lot of character, and how good he is both inside and out of the ring. The upper management has seen his ability to make others look good, and the move suggests that they are rewarding him for his dedication and hard work. By overcoming injuries and setbacks, Zayn could easily be said to have earned a better spot, and a bigger role on television.
Raw in comparison appears somewhat saturated with talent, and Zayn didn't fit in. Being on Smackdown Live a few years ago would have been seen as a kiss of death, but in the case of Sami, it should be looked at as breathing new life into his career.
