Sami Zayn has recently faced significant challenges in his WWE career, particularly on the main roster. After breaking away from The Bloodline stable, where he was known as the ‘Honorary Uce’, Zayn entered into a high-profile confrontation with Roman Reigns and his cousins, capturing the attention of many fans. His time within The Bloodline is often seen as a highlight of his career.
Since going solo, Zayn has earned the tag-team and Intercontinental Championships, but his momentum has slowed. Currently, he is involved in a heated rivalry with Karrion Kross. Speaking on The Tony Rose Morning Show, former NXT Champion Kross openly criticized Zayn’s career progression, arguing that his ascent was heavily reliant on Roman Reigns.
“That’s right, he’s got to say that Kross told the truth, which everybody already knows anyway. I wouldn’t agree with you that his rise was organic, I mean, he was piggybacking off Roman Reigns to get to where he’s been and ever since he hasn’t been able to piggyback off Roman Reigns, he hasn’t found the same success he did. Let’s just tell the truth here, you’re being nice. You’re trying to be unbiased. Let’s tell the truth, he’s a manipulator and a liar.” —Karrion Kross
Kross’s comments underscore the tension between the two as they prepare for their upcoming showdown at WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 1, positioning their match as a significant moment for both competitors.
The Turning Point: Sami Zayn’s Departure from The Bloodline
Years ago, Sami Zayn made the pivotal decision to leave The Bloodline, ending his role as ‘Honorary Uce’ and challenging Roman Reigns and his family. This storyline earned him praise and is regarded by many as some of the most compelling work of his career. However, after this arc concluded, Zayn struggled to maintain the same level of impact.
Winning the Intercontinental and tag-team titles kept him relevant, yet his solo run has faced criticism for lacking the organic rise that some wrestlers experience. Kross’s harsh assessment reflects this viewpoint, suggesting that without Reigns’s influence, Zayn’s success has faltered.
Sami Zayn’s Reaction to the Package Piledriver on WWE Television
A notable moment in WWE occurred last December 14th during Saturday Night’s Main Event when Cody Rhodes defended his WWE Undisputed Championship against Kevin Owens. After the match, Owens executed the Package Piledriver on Rhodes, a move banned due to its dangerous history. Zayn, Owens’s former close friend, shared his reaction on the Battleground Podcast.
“I mean, pretty crazy to see the Package Piledriver on WWE TV, first and foremost. I feel like I used to take that move a lot. My neck is not so good nowadays, and it’s probably better that I haven’t taken that move in a long time.” —Sami Zayn
“It was almost like seeing a ghost. You know what? I mean, it was very strange, like a memoir of a past life. For me, personally, just seeing that was kind of a bit of a surreal moment.” —Sami Zayn
Zayn’s reflections reveal a deeper sense of vulnerability related to his physical condition and the dangers wrestlers face, adding context to his current challenges in the ring.
Implications and What Lies Ahead for Sami Zayn
As Karrion Kross and Sami Zayn prepare for their clash at SummerSlam 2025, the outcome may significantly influence Zayn’s standing within WWE. The critical remarks from Kross highlight the pressure on Zayn to prove his capability independently of past alliances, specifically his ties to Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.
For Zayn, who has experienced both highs and lows, this feud represents an important opportunity to redefine his trajectory. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can overcome recent setbacks and regain momentum on the main roster.
