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Sami Zayn Explains Why He Agreed to Take More Than 50% Pay Cut to Join WWE From the Independent Wrestling Scene: “Wasn’t Too Nearsighted About It”

Published May 06, 2023, 5:30 PM EDT

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Sami Zayn is the current WWE undisputed tag team champion and one of the most adored superstars by fans. He got a great push by getting involved in ‘The Bloodline’ storyline. It also enhanced his bank balance and currently, he is earning $2 million a year. However, things weren’t that good for him before. In his recent interview, Sami Zayn put light on those years of his career when he had to give up on a huge amount, just to step inside Vince McMahon’s world.

Sami Zayn talks about the time when he joined WWE

Recently, the WWE superstar Sami Zayn appeared on the podcast ‘Whiskey Ginger’, where he unfolded the hidden chapters of his professional wrestling career. 

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Zayn revealed that he had to give up huge money, in order to sign a contract with the WWE. He said that before WWE he was earning around $100000 a year in the independent circuit but he signed the contract with WWE for just $39,000. He also mentioned that he wanted to look at the bigger picture.

Recalling the old days, Sami Zayn said, “I signed my first WWE contract for $39,000…..but then eventually, you’ll make good money….So, I wasn’t too nearsighted about it, thinking ‘oh I’m worth so much more’ like you kind of understand when to take it on the chin and when you’ll make it up.”

Zayn’s struggles didn’t just end there. After joining WWE, he was making so much less but when the company gave him an alternate opportunity, he realized the importance of money.

The moment when Zayn realized the importance of money

Further in the podcast, Sami Zayn said that after eight months in the WWE, he was just making fifty grand. He also mentioned that WWE offered him to do road loops as well and when his first paycheck came for that, he realized that he was there to make money.

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“Within eight months, they started sending me on the road to do road loops. At that point, I was making only $50,000, but when the first check came in for the road loop, there was 6 or 7 grand in there. At that point, I had like a light bulb moment where I realized, ‘Oh my god, I’m here to make money.’ Money is so not why I do this. Don’t get me wrong — I enjoy having it versus not having it.”

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Currently, Sami Zayn is one of the top superstars in the WWE. He is the current WWE undisputed tag team champion with Kevin Owens. Zayn is not only ruling fans’ hearts, but several WWE legends are also praising his wrestling skills.

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With all the current scenarios, it seems like Sami Zayn has a very bright future in the WWE and it wouldn’t be a surprise if his net worth increases with every passing year.

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Written by:

Manjot Kaur

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Manjot Kaur is a WWE writer at EssentiallySports. As a combat sports athlete herself, she has a deep understanding of the physical and intellectual nuances of wrestling, giving her a distinct edge when reporting on the action in the ring. With her direct association with sport on the ground, Manjot is able to provide unparalleled insight into the world of pro wrestling, offering readers an in-depth look at the personalities, rivalries, and storylines that define the sport.
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Edited by:

Sherjeel Malik