WWE superstar Sami Zayn has opened up about his early days with the company and his financial struggles upon signing his first contract with WWE. In an appearance on the Whiskey Ginger podcast, Zayn revealed that he was making around $100,000 a year on the independent wrestling scene before joining the company.
However, things took a turn when Zayn signed his first WWE contract for developmental purposes and paid him a significantly lower sum of $39,000. Despite taking a pay cut, Zayn recognized that he was in it for the long haul and trusted that he would eventually make up the difference.
Sami Zayn's Dedication and Financial Sacrifice in Early WWE Days
Sami Zayn's hard work and dedication paid off, and within eight months of signing his contract, he was sent on the road to do road loops. Although he was only making $50,000 then, Zayn had a lightbulb moment when he received his first check for the road loop.
The review was for $6,000 to $7,000, making him realize he was in WWE to make money. Sami Zayn went on to explain that while money is not the sole reason he does what he does, he enjoys having it versus not having it. His comments shed light on the harsh realities of the professional wrestling industry.
Up-and-coming stars often have to work their way up from the bottom and sacrifice financial stability in the short term to achieve their long-term goals. Sami Zayn's story serves as a reminder that the road to success is not always easy, but anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and willingness to take risks.
Despite his challenges, Zayn has become a highly respected and successful WWE superstar, proving that perseverance pays off. Sami Zayn's comments on the Whiskey Ginger podcast provide a rare glimpse into the financial struggles that professional wrestlers often face in their careers.
While it may not be easy, Zayn's story shows that with determination and willingness to take risks, professional wrestling can achieve success.