The ongoing Sami Zayn/Bloodline program is working

The Sept. 23 episode of WWE SmackDown began as most of them do: With a long Bloodline talking segment. Initially, it went as you would expect; undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns sauntered to the ring with undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos, Solo Sikoa, Paul Heyman, and Sami Zayn and they all talked for a bit before Sikoa officially “acknowledged” Reigns.

Then, we got to the good stuff. As the Bloodline exited the ring, Zayn grabbed a microphone and professed his appreciation for “The Tribal Chief”. This produced a perplexed expression from Reigns, who then questioned why Zayn was in the ring with him and his family and why he was wearing a Bloodline t-shirt.

With a look of befuddlement and fear, Zayn stood alone as Reigns, Sikoa, and the Usos stared him down. This had all the indicators of the big turn on Zayn that everyone anticipates, even more so after Jey Uso ripped Zayn’s shirt off as Reigns said he didn’t want to see Zayn in that Bloodline merchandise again.

Of course, it was all a swerve, as Reigns tossed Zayn a new “Honorary Uce” t-shirt and gave him the green light to acknowledge him, much to the delight of everyone (except Jey Uso).

The Sami Zayn/Bloodline story is progressing.

Roteness of the opening segment aside, everyone played their respective roles to perfection, particularly Reigns and Zayn. Reigns’ authoritative, impatient tone and Zayn’s puppy-dog eyes effectively sold the idea that a Zayn beatdown was on the way before Reigns — the gaslighter that he is — turned the charm back on to reassure Zayn.

Based on the loud “Sami” chants and the boos from the crowd when Jey tore off Zayn’s shirt, the audience bought into this notion, too, which is exactly what WWE wants.

We know that the Bloodline will eventually turn on Zayn to set up Zayn’s big babyface run (which could include teaming up with Kevin Owens). Most fans will rejoice when that happens and Zayn finally reclaims his self-respect, as Zayn is at his best as a protagonist.

But the journey WWE has taken to get there will make reaching the end point all the more satisfying. Zayn has expertly balanced his obnoxious heel act with a sympathetic obliviousness of what ultimately awaits him, which allows him to operate as a heel while showing glimpses of the man he once was.

Add in Jey Uso’s resistance to Zayn’s glomming, and you have the best storyline going in WWE right now. Hopefully, that continues as the weeks progress.