Sami Zayn Reflects on Life as El Generico Before Joining WWE
March 15, 2022
In a recent episode of the “Out of Character” podcast, Sami Zayn opened up about his previous persona as El Generico and the challenges he faced in keeping his identity a secret. Zayn, who portrayed the El Generico character until 2013, when he signed with WWE, revealed the lengths he went to maintain the illusion.
“When I would wear a mask, there were times that the mask was tied too tight. You would see a tiny bit of my hair in the back and when I would see that on screen, it would drive me crazy,” Zayn shared.
Zayn compared the experience to seeing a flaw in a beloved movie character, saying, “It’s almost like if you saw little human fingers sticking out of R2-D2. You’re like, ‘Oh, there’s a little guy there. That’s not a robot!’ It takes you out of it.”
During his early years in the United States, Zayn was successful in keeping his true identity hidden, which added to the allure of the El Generico character. “For those first six or seven years, I saw almost no leaks of what my face actually looked like. Also, the fans weren’t seeking it out because it does kill the allure a little bit,” Zayn explained.
Zayn’s portrayal of El Generico garnered him a dedicated fanbase, as the enigmatic luchador captured the hearts of wrestling enthusiasts around the world. His high-flying style and underdog persona made him a fan favorite in promotions such as Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.
After signing with WWE in 2013, Zayn continued to make an impact, eventually transitioning into his real name and becoming one of the company’s top talents. However, his time as El Generico remains a significant part of his career and a testament to his commitment to the character.
For more on Sami Zayn’s reflections on his life as El Generico, check out the full episode of the “Out of Character” podcast. And be sure to follow prowrestlingwars.com for all the latest news and updates from the world of professional wrestling.
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