Add as a preferred source on Google Sami Zayn didn’t want a straightforward heel turn in WWE. The wrestler reportedly pushed back internally against a more direct idea from the creative team for his current character on Friday Night SmackDown.
According to Self Made Pro, Zayn argued that his relationship with the fans should be handled in a more complex way, as he didn’t see himself as a classic villain.
That lines up with what Zayn himself said in an interview with the Toronto Sun. The former United States Champion said he disagrees with the idea that he fully turned heel and explained that he tried to create a character shift that would divide the audience.
It all picked up steam after the rivalry with Trick Williams, who had already been using the Gingerbread Man to mock Zayn since before WrestleMania 42. WWE itself highlighted the moment when Trick made fun of Sami with the costume on SmackDown.
The following week, Zayn attacked Trick while disguised as the Gingerbread Man, in one of the strangest segments of the feud. Later, during the character’s funeral, Lil Yachty was revealed inside the costume and attacked Zayn before Backlash.
At the premium live event, Trick retained the United States Championship against Zayn, who was booed by a large portion of the crowd and got distracted by Yachty before taking the final Trick Shot.
It remains to be seen whether WWE will keep leaning into this gray area for Zayn or if, with the increasingly negative reactions, the shift will end up becoming a full-blown heel turn.