Sami Zayn: “I Wanted To Continue Where I Left Off After Debuting On Raw In Montreal”

Sami Zayn has been back in NXT for a few weeks now, and he’s made it crystal clear that his goal in that brand is to become the first ever two-time NXT Champion. However, that’s not exactly what he wanted for his return. He recently did an

Zayn recently did an exclusive interview with WWE.com about his recovery from surgery, his return to NXT, and his goals now that he is back in the ring. You can read the full interview right here. The highlights are below:

WWE.COM: Were you on the shelf a little longer than expected? 

When I initially saw the surgeon, I was told I would be out of action four to six months. In my warped wrestler brain, I figured that meant four. But I was wrong, and it ended up being six months by the time I was cleared, and seven by the time I had my return match.

WWE.COM: Do you feel there was any benefit to having time off?

You know, oddly enough, as hard as it is to just watch, there was some good. Because I was forced to be on the sidelines for so long, I was forced to look at things from a different perspective, and through that, I developed a new perspective.  I had the chance to sit back and see what everyone else was doing in the ring, which allowed me to come up with ideas of how to differentiate myself. So, it was kind of a blessing in disguise, I’d like to think.

WWE.COM: Finally, what’s the most immediate goal for you?

I want to do something that has never been done, and that’s become the first two-time NXT Champion. In a sense, that’s a strange distinction to want, but that has to be my goal while I’m in NXT. In the interest of full disclosure, while I was looking forward to returning to NXT, part of me wanted to continue where I left off on Raw the night I got hurt and capitalize on that.

The opportunity didn’t present itself, so I’m making the most of my time on NXT. I feel like I helped get NXT to where it is now, so while I’m here, I just want to make it the best it can be. This could come off as arrogant, but I honestly feel every show that I’m on is better because I’m on it. I feel I have a lot to offer NXT, and I’m happy to be here as it grows. I want to leave a legacy behind that is undeniable.