10 Sami Zayn WWE matches to watch instead of Super ShowDown
By Bassam Kaado
5. Sami Zayn vs Tyson Kidd (NXT Episode 231 – July 17, 2014)
Tyson Kidd is really good, guys. The match-up showed off the talents of two talented NXT wrestlers, and the ring narrative is executed excellently. Zayn previously had issues with Kidd, who was undergoing a heel turn in an attempt to prove that he is more than the husband of Natalya (she was featured on the WWE reality TV show, Total Divas).
Off the bat, Kidd plays the role of heel beautifully, constantly creating space between him and Zayn while picking his moments to strike.
Throughout the match, Kidd is methodical, allowing his versatile moveset to take center stage. This plays so well as a foil to Zayn’s passionate and high energy style, making the babyface earn for every move and strike he can land.
The NXT crowd also gets involved during the match’s duration by chanting against Kidd, which he plays off well in his character work.
As the match continues, the two pull off some great sequences with counters upon counters. Sami Zayn finally is able to get the victory by submission, which is a fresh and welcomed change up to his normal winning finishes.
Grade: 4.8
4. Sami Zayn vs Antonio Cesaro (NXT Arrival – February 27, 2014)
This is the best of all their matches, and it rightfully is their last one in NXT. The two clearly have amazing chemistry, and it was a match the NXT audience clamored for.
Cesaro, believing he had nothing left to prove, took this match on the condition that they will not fight again. Zayn, with everything to prove, claimed he couldn’t shake losing to Cesaro and needed another chance to prove he could hang with the best.
The match is riddled with amazing technical displays of in ring quality. They really delivered on topping the quality of their previous meetings, and it’s one of the few instances where a fourth meeting was well-deserved.
The intensity of the match can be felt, and you can see the pride Zayn and Cesaro took in this match, pouring everything they have into this bout. My favorite spot of the match is when Zayn goes for his through-the-ropes outside Tornado DDT, only to be greeted with a vicious European Uppercut.