Sami Zayn reflects on Saudi Arabia’s role in his journey to WrestleMania glory

Exclusive Sami Zayn reflects on Saudi Arabia’s role in his journey to WrestleMania glory
Zayn prepared to defend his Intercontinental Title this weekend in a triple threat match against Chad Gable and Bronson Reed at the WWE King and Queen of the Ring event in Jeddah. (X: @SamiZayn)
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Updated 23 May 2024
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Sami Zayn reflects on Saudi Arabia’s role in his journey to WrestleMania glory

Sami Zayn reflects on Saudi Arabia’s role in his journey to WrestleMania glory
  • He defends his Intercontinental Title this weekend in a triple threat match against Chad Gable and Bronson Reed at the WWE King and Queen of the Ring event in Jeddah
  • It comes 11 years after he signed with WWE and 10 years after he first visited the Kingdom to compete in an event
  • ‘If you’re an Arab kid … with a dream of chasing this, becoming a wrestler or the WWE or whatever it is, it’s much more attainable than it’s ever been,’ he says

RIYADH: Amid the expansive global reach of the WWE, few wrestling stars embody the spirit of international connectivity quite as completely as Sami Zayn. His journey from pre-WWE days to competing in Saudi Arabia for the first time a decade ago and then glory at WrestleMania surely reflects the transformative power of sports entertainment.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, he shared some insights into the evolution of his career, his aspirations, and the effects the partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia has had on him personally and wrestling in general.

It came as Zayn prepared to defend his Intercontinental Title this weekend in a triple threat match against Chad Gable and Bronson Reed at the WWE King and Queen of the Ring event in Jeddah.

As he reflected on his journey, Zayn, who signed with WWE in 2013, reminisced about his first visit to Saudi Arabia the following year, in the early days of WWE’s partnership with sports authorities in the Kingdom.

Though Zayn is not of Saudi descent — he was born in Canada to Syrian parents — he expressed a profound sense of belonging in Saudi Arabia and the wider region because it resonates with him on a cultural level and he appreciates its familiar characteristics.

“You know, with your culture, your language, your people, the food, the smells, the sounds, I don’t know, there’s something about it,” he said. “It just feels like home, even though it’s not home, you know?”

Discussing his victory over Gunther in April at WrestleMania 40 to claim the Intercontinental Title, which his opponent had held for a record-breaking 666 days, Zayn said he achieved something many people thought was impossible, and it was a pivotal moment marked the end of a significant chapter in Gunther’s illustrious career.

“I think just being in the ring with Gunther — who obviously has shown that he’s one of our top superstars now and, you know, probably the best Intercontinental Champion we’ve ever had — to beat him at the biggest show of the year, I mean, I think it’s very, very memorable. And I think that’s one of the hardest things to do right now.”

Zayn did his best to articulate the indescribable thrill of competing on WWE’s grandest stage. Amid the deluge of content in modern wrestling, he said it is particularly significant if one can craft memorable moments that will endure beyond the duration of the event itself.

“I feel like the hardest thing to do nowadays is to have a memorable match and memorable moments that people will remember, oh, two, three, four, five, maybe even 10 years down the road,” he said.

“And I feel like that match (against Gunther) was good, if nothing else because of how long he held the title. I feel like it’ll be very well remembered. So I’m very proud of that.”

As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve and open up to the world, the rapid pace of developments in the country over the past few years has made sport and entertainment accessible to all and opened up ever-greater opportunities, which means that the prospects have never been better for aspiring Arab wrestlers to follow in Zayn’s footsteps.

He acknowledges that what not so long ago was a distant dream for Saudis is now a realistic possibility, and he credits the long-established presence of WWE in the Kingdom for helping to foster a sense of connectivity and inspiration. He also stressed the importance of encouraging emerging talents to show determination and perseverance as they pursue their dreams.

“Now, because of the fact that we run shows in Saudi and we have this partnership with Saudi Arabia and we’re more connected to the region, if you’re an Arab kid or a young man with a dream of chasing this, becoming a wrestler or the WWE or whatever it is, it’s much more attainable than it’s ever been,” he said.

“If you have that goal, look, it’s not easy, it’s never easy, but it’s more achievable now than it’s ever been … for somebody from anywhere here in the Middle East.”

As for his own future, Zayn has a pragmatic but optimistic view. While harboring ambitions for world championship glory, he said he prioritizes the art of storytelling and emotional engagement as his guiding principles. He remains committed to making a lasting impact on fans as he continues to evolve as a performer and storyteller.

“I would just like to keep doing what I’m doing now, which is to continue to tell good stories, prominent stories,” he said.

“I want to be an important part of the television show. And I think what I bring to the table, just as much as anybody if not more than most, is the emotional component of the stories that I tell in the ring or, you know, leading up to these matches.”

Still, he acknowledged that he would love to win the world championship before he steps out of the ring for the final time.

“But hopefully that’s not for another few years, you know, God willing, inshallah, at least five more years or something. But you don’t know what life has for you.”

Looking back on into his formative years, and his journey from wrestling fan to superstar, Zayn pays tribute to his own childhood idols and inspirations. From Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart to the Hardy Boyz, Mick Foley and Eddie Guerrero, they all left an indelible mark and influenced his journey.

He said the Hardy Boyz and Mick Foley in particular had a big impact on him “because they had stories that, in some ways, I could really relate to: They started in their backyard and then they got trained. It just seemed like a more attainable route to get there. I think they kind of opened my eyes in that way.”

WWE returns to Saudi Arabia this weekend with the double-header of SmackDown and then King and Queen of the Ring at Jeddah’s Superdome. The action begins on May 24 with the Kingdom’s inaugural SmackDown event, which will be broadcast live globally and include the second semifinals of the King and Queen of the Ring championships. The finals of those competitions will take place at the main event on May 25, along with Zayn’s battle and two other championship bouts.


Saudi Football Federation reportedly asks PSG’s Luis Campos to handle its sporting operations

Saudi Football Federation reportedly asks PSG’s Luis Campos to handle its sporting operations
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi Football Federation reportedly asks PSG’s Luis Campos to handle its sporting operations

Saudi Football Federation reportedly asks PSG’s Luis Campos to handle its sporting operations
  • The Portuguese executive is said to have been offered a decade-long deal worth €20 million a year
  • Sources say the federation wants to restructure the national team ahead of 2034 World Cup, with the goal of reaching the semi-finals

PARIS: Representatives of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation met Luis Campos, the sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain, in Geneva last week to discuss an offer for him to handle the federation’s sporting operations, French daily newspaper Le Parisien reported on Wednesday.
The Portuguese executive was offered €20 million ($20.8 million) a year in a contract that would run until 2034, according to the newspaper. Citing unnamed sources, it said the move is part of the federation’s plans to restructure and reorganize the Saudi national team ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom will host, with the goal of reaching the semi-finals.
If Campos, also a former sporting director of AS Monaco, accepts the offer, he will reportedly submit reports on Saudi football and the national team to Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and the federation’s president, Yasser Al-Misehal.
The Le Parisien report added that Campos was given until the end of the year to respond to the offer, and in the meantime he will continue to focus on PSG until the end of the season. Campos joined the club in July 2022 and has helped it secure back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.


Pakistan soccer approves steps wanted by FIFA to lift international suspension

Pakistan soccer approves steps wanted by FIFA to lift international suspension
Updated 13 min 11 sec ago
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Pakistan soccer approves steps wanted by FIFA to lift international suspension

Pakistan soccer approves steps wanted by FIFA to lift international suspension
  • The PFF decided to approve those amendments
  • Pakistan remained hopeful the suspension will be lifted in time to play Syria on Mar. 25

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation took a step toward returning to international soccer by unanimously approving constitutional amendments proposed by FIFA on Thursday.
FIFA hit Pakistan on Feb. 6 with a third international suspension in less than eight years after the federation rejected electoral reforms.
The PFF decided to approve those amendments by a 23-0 vote at an extraordinary congress in Lahore, where the attendees included officials from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
“The congress members endorsed the FIFA proposed amendments in the best interest of Pakistan football, paving the way for the national team’s participation in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers following the expected lifting of FIFA’s suspension,” the PFF said in a statement.
Pakistan remained hopeful the suspension will be lifted in time to play Syria on March 25 in its first qualifier for the 2027 Asian Cup. For that to happen, the AFC told the PFF the ban must be lifted by Tuesday.


Social Cricket program promotes women’s participation

Social Cricket program promotes women’s participation
Updated 27 February 2025
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Social Cricket program promotes women’s participation

Social Cricket program promotes women’s participation
  • Mohammed Alharbi: Our event in the IMSIU was under our Social Cricket program, which is focusing on promoting cricket within families and individuals
  • Alharbi: Our goal for 2025 is to make at least one event each month under the Social Cricket program in five different cities across the Kingdom

RIYADH: With the inspiring rise of cricket in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation has launched the Social Cricket program, promoting women’s participation in the sport.

Under the ambitious program, SACF aims to organize camps for boys and girls in different cities across the Kingdom.

One such camp was organized by the SACF at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh recently, where more than 250 female students experienced the game of cricket for the first time.

“A day filled with fun, teamwork, and discovering a new passion! ” the federation posted on X.

Mohammed Alharbi, SACF media coordinator, told Arab News: “Our event in the IMSIU was under our Social Cricket program, which is focusing on promoting cricket within families and individuals, creating opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the sport.”

“Our goal for 2025 is to make at least one event each month under the Social Cricket program in five different cities across the Kingdom,” Alharbi said.

The five cities are Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Yanbu and Jubail. “After Riyadh, we are working on a camp in other cities and we will announce it soon,” he said.

In collaboration with the International Cricket Council, the SACF is also organizing the Women’s Criiio Festival, promoting women’s cricket in the different cities.

SACF runs a social media campaign ahead of the events, encouraging cricket-lovers to join the program in their city.

“Don’t miss out on a weekend of fun, energy, and unforgettable moments!” the SACF posted on X, promoting the campaign.

Earlier this month, the SACF, represented by Alaa Alduaijy, also participated in the ICC Asia Women’s Development Conference, joining discussions on the growth of women’s cricket in the region.

The conference focused on development strategies, collaboration opportunities, and initiatives to further advance women’s cricket.

Last year, the federation launched the Schools Cricket program, aimed at promoting the sport among boys and girls across the Kingdom.


Hamilton goes fastest for Ferrari as rain in Bahrain hits F1 testing

Hamilton goes fastest for Ferrari as rain in Bahrain hits F1 testing
Updated 27 February 2025
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Hamilton goes fastest for Ferrari as rain in Bahrain hits F1 testing

Hamilton goes fastest for Ferrari as rain in Bahrain hits F1 testing
  • “So far so good, but the first topic is reliability,” Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said
  • Hamilton’s time was also a second faster than the best lap from the first day of testing

SAKHIR, Bahrain: Lewis Hamilton was fastest in his new Ferrari on the morning of the second day of Formula 1 preseason testing as rain in the desert affected Thursday’s session.
The seven-time champion’s best time was nearly four-tenths of a second faster than his former teammate George Russell of Mercedes. Carlos Sainz, Jr. was third fastest for Williams.
“So far so good, but the first topic is reliability. It’s always a question at the start of the season, and it went well,” Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said of the team’s first day and a half testing the new SF-25 car in Bahrain.
It’s harder to tell a car’s true performance because it isn’t clear how much fuel competitors have in their cars for test runs, Vasseur added.
Hamilton’s time was also a second faster than the best lap from the first day of testing Wednesday, which was set by Lando Norris for McLaren.
Adding to the unseasonably cold conditions, the rare sight of light rain in Bahrain midway through the session was an extra complication for teams trying to learn more about their new cars.
Expecting dry conditions in the desert, only two teams — Aston Martin and Haas — brought wet-weather tires for the test.
Testing has resumed for Thursday’s second session ahead of the third and final day on Friday. The first race of the season is the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.


Bayern Munich reportedly withdraw contract offer to Joshua Kimmich

Bayern Munich reportedly withdraw contract offer to Joshua Kimmich
Updated 27 February 2025
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Bayern Munich reportedly withdraw contract offer to Joshua Kimmich

Bayern Munich reportedly withdraw contract offer to Joshua Kimmich
  • Bayern decided at their supervisory board meeting on Monday to withdraw the offer
  • The proposed new deal reportedly included a modest pay rise

MUNICH: German media is reporting that Bayern Munich have retracted their contract extension offer to midfielder Joshua Kimmich, whose deal expires at the end of the season.
Kicker magazine on Thursday corroborated a report from the Bild tabloid saying Bayern decided at their supervisory board meeting on Monday to withdraw the offer they made to the player because of his hesitation in accepting it.
The 30-year-old Kimmich, who has played more than 400 games for Bayern since joining as a 20-year-old from Leipzig in 2015, reportedly earns around 20 million euros ($21 million) a year at the Bavarian powerhouse.
The proposed new deal reportedly included a modest pay rise.
Bayern’s board member for sports, Max Eberl, told broadcaster Sky this month that talks between the two parties were positive after the club announced new contract extension deals with Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Manuel Neuer.
“We’ve done our work bit by bit. We’ve had very good discussions with Joshua. We’ve clearly shown what our idea is with the extensions (that were announced),” said Eberl, who hoped that “we’ll get it over the finish line.”
Kimmich played every minute for Bayern across three competitions until he was forced off before the break against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend with a tendon strain. He will likely miss the team’s visit to Stuttgart on Friday, but the club hopes he’ll be back for Bayer Leverkusen’s visit in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.
Kimmich is at liberty to join another club at the end of this season — as long as he does not sign a new deal at Bayern in the meantime. There has been speculation of a possible reunion with former Bayern coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona, though the financially troubled Spanish club would still need to pay his wages.