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Exclusive: Sami Zayn On Forging A Role In The Bloodline And Why Logan Paul Is In For A 'Rude Awakening’
Sami Zayn opens up about being an Honorary Uce in The Bloodline, and why he hasn't yet been able to fully win over Jey Uso.
Sami Zayn has been on an absolute tear lately.
Over on SmackDown, Zayn has managed to somehow – against all odds – align himself in The Bloodline faction. Yes, you read that correctly. The same Bloodline that is led by the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. The same Bloodline that is managed by Paul Heyman. The same Bloodline that consists of the Usos – also known as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. The same Bloodline that recently welcomed cousin Solo Sikoa into the fold.
The Bloodline is a faction marked by excellence – and family. And it’s one of the biggest reasons Roman Reigns has been simply dominant for over two years in WWE. The Bloodline is exactly what it seems – an all-star roster of Superstars linked by the blood of the legendary A’noai family, whose wrestling legacy and Samoan heritage are deeply intertwined.
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And somehow, Sami Zayn – a 211-pound pale Canadian – has managed to become an integral part of the group, officially christened as an Honorary Uce back in September by the Tribal Chief himself.
Just a few hours before SmackDown this week, USA Insider managed to track down Sami Zayn and ask throw some no holds-barred questions his way, and the conversation naturally focused on The Bloodline, Sami’s newfound success in the group, and how important respect is in the world of professional wrestling.
“I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself the glue that holds The Bloodline together, but I do think that I've added a certain dimension to the Bloodline that wasn’t there. I liken it to a family, right? Family acts a certain way with each other – but when a guest comes over, they can act a little differently, and that’s how I see it. The dynamic with me being around has shifted everybody’s behavior. I just think it’s been interesting and for me, it’s been a lot of fun. And of course there’s no higher honor than Honorary Uce.”
Of course, no discussion about the Sami Zayn and The Bloodline can be had without bringing up Jey Uso, the one member who has wavered back and forth over Sami's worthiness to be in the group. Sami was surprisingly candid when talking about Jey, downplaying any animosity between the two of them and bringing up the fact that Jey may have deeper issues at play:
“You know, look – I know it comes off a little bit contentious at times between us, and I get it. I do think at the end of it all, he respects me and sees value in me. But I think – if I can be perfectly honest – I think he’s battling his own issues and I think I'm representing something to him,” Sami said. “I don’t want to pry into his psyche here, but I don't think I've done anything wrong. I’ve gone above and beyond for The Bloodline, for Jey personally – I've taken a Claymore or two for him, I’ve taken a chair shot or two for him. I think I’ve proven not only my worth but my loyalty – and for whatever reason, he’s hung up.”
“So the way I see it, if there’s five people all getting along and there’s one person who is not, well… the numbers don’t lie and sometimes the problem is you and not that other person. And I’m not trying to point the finger, I just think that something is up and I don’t think it’s necessarily me – and for that reason, I don’t take it personally,” he continued, before summing everything up. “At the end of it all, family fights, right? I don’t think I need to fight for Jey’s respect – I just think I have to wait for him to accept this whole thing.”
The conversation quickly turned to November’s Crown Jewel event – the very event that will see Roman Reigns clash with Logan Paul for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title. When asked if Paul has a puncher’s chance at defeating Reigns, Sami didn’t mince words.
“I guess the noble thing to do here is to give Logan Paul credit,” he began. “Yes, he’s obviously got some competitive fighting background, he’s a great athlete, he’s not just your average celebrity walking into the ring. He’s a capable in-ring performer – but it’s only been three matches… so you have to grade him on a curve. When you talk about getting himself into a position headlining Crown Jewel – that’s about as good as it’s going to get for him, in my opinion. Does he have a chance? Sure, I guess he has as much as a chance as the worst team in the league has upsetting the very top team in the league. Is it a chance? Yes. But there’s a reason why the odds are 500-1. But I do understand his belief in himself has gotten him this far, so let’s see how far he can go – but personally, I think he’s in for a rude awakening.”
As far as The Bloodline as a whole is concerned, Sami has the back of each and every member of the group that has dominated WWE for over two years. In fact, he sees the group getting stronger with each passing week, with their titles becoming more and more firmly stuck around their waists in the process.
“I know this might sound crazy, but another year – maybe two – might not be out of the question at this point for the Usos and for Roman. And especially – not to give myself too much credit here – with the Honorary Uce on board and also Solo Sikoa, it’s kind’ve renewed the lease on The Bloodline. And I don't want to say it’s been revitalized because it was never in need of that – but the group has gotten a whole new dimension where two years from now we could still be going strong. As far as our dominance goes, I think it would be foolish to predict we’re near the end,” he said.
Even spouting the company line of The Bloodline, Sami still managed to show that even as a performer, he’s still a fan at heart:
“Taking myself outside of the family, speaking as an outsider – the entire storyline is more interesting now than it was a year ago,” he said. “Because now, with the length it’s been going on, fans are watching more and more intently wondering when the bubble is going to burst. And who’s to say a year from now it’s not going to get even more interesting?”
Undoubtedly – in his mind at least – Sami Zayn’s continued involvement in The Bloodline is one of the most important factors to the group’s future success. However, questions remain. What kind of impact will Sami have down the road? Will he be called upon to directly help Roman Reigns maintain control of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship? Will Jey Uso ever fully bestow the respect that Sami so desperately craves?
No matter what happens, we’re here for it.
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