Sami Zayn says his career is a privilege, and while he’d be satisfied if it ended tomorrow, he’s still hungry for more.
Zayn has had a breakout run over the past year or so, as he has consistently been praised for his role as one of the key players in The Bloodline storyline. The fan-favorite star had a major WrestleMania moment when he and Kevin Owens won the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship by beating The Usos at WrestleMania 39.
Speaking on Whiskey Ginger with Andrew Santino prior to WrestleMania, Zayn detailed how he has been chasing the “blueprint” of success in the wrestling business throughout his career. When asked to describe what that blueprint is, Zayn noted that he didn’t know, but it might be where he is right now, given his prominence on television.
“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,” Zayn said. “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.”
When asked whether he feels hungry for more while also being satisfied with his career, Zayn agreed. He stated that he was hungry for more within reason, but he also viewed his career itself as a privilege.
“Absolutely. I’m hungry for…yes,” Zayn said. “I’m hungry for more, but within reason,’ Zayn said. “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.”
Zayn also highlighted his mentality of focusing on immediate goals and enjoying the process. Looking back on the journey, Zayn stated that each step along the way was satisfying, and he didn’t get lost fixating on the “peak,” whatever that may be at any given point.
“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.” (Transcription credit of Fightful)
The Usos will challenge Zayn and Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship on the April 28 episode of WWE SmackDown. WrestleZone will have coverage of the show as it airs.
Owens and Zayn previously discussed their win at WWE WrestleMania 39. Click here to see what they had to say.
