Sami Zayn Discusses ‘The Sami Zayn Experience,’ Plans To Overcome the Odds & Strike Gold Again at WWE Crown Jewel

WWE Undisputed Champion Sami Zayn spoke with Cathy Kelley in a candid interview ahead of WWE Crown Jewel. He discussed the highs and lows of “the Sami Zayn experience,” and planning to do what he always does by overcoming the odds and striking gold against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel this weekend. Below are some highlights:

Sami Zayn on Wearing His Heart on His Sleeve Unlike Roman Reigns

“He carries his cards closer to the vest and he projects a certain dominance. And do you need it? Maybe, because I have it. I have the same thing he has. I’m just not so brazen about it, but maybe I should be. And maybe I should be. Maybe that’s what people respond to because the way some of these fans have turned their backs on me over the years, because I though they would get it, but they don’t. They need to be spoonfed and told, ‘I’m the greatest.’ And then they go, ‘Oh yeah, I guess he’s the greatest.’ I don’t do that. It’s just not in my nature. I’m heart on my sleeve, but at the end of the day, I know how good I am. I know how good I am.

“So yeah, I’m carrying myself with a different level of confidence now. Roman can say he’s 100% sure. I know there’s that self-doubt because he’s human. He’s human. I don’t care if you’re the tribal chief. I don’t care how much success you’ had. You’re still a human being. You cannot tell me that you’re going into the ring with a WWE champion and there’s zero self-doubt. I know there’s self-doubt there. He can play it however he wants. I don’t care. I know there’s self-doubt. I’ll tell you, I am telling you there’s self-doubt, but there’s also a crazy amount of confidence. And I’m operating at a higher level now than I ever have been. So yes, absolutely, I think I can beat him.”

On His Achievements and Fans Doubting Him

“It’s nice to hear that every once in a while. I do good work. I’m doing good work. And the fact that I’m still treated the way I’m treated, it’s just I’ve never seen anything like it. Have you? Have you ever seen someone who has consistently delivered the mail, who has consistently delivered the goods for as long as they have, still get this kind of level of disrespect, still get doubted the way I’m getting doubted? I can’t think of another analogy, but you know what? It’s all part of the Sami Zayn experience. The highs, the lows, the self-doubt, the overcoming the odds, it’s fine because I’ll do what I’ve always done and I’ll strike gold.”

Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns will face off one more time, this time for the annual Crown Jewel Championship, later this weeken. The premium live event is being held at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, November 7. WWE Crown Jewel will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit WWE with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.