Sami Zayn Took A Huge Pay Cut When He Signed WWE Contract

Sami Zayn is loyal to WWE, because that company gave him an incredible run that still continues to this day. That being said, he actually took a pay cut when he inked a deal to make sure that he got that spot with the company.

Sami Zayn is coming off the best angle of his entire career as an Honorary Uce as part of the Bloodline. That angle culminated at WrestleMania 39 when he and Kevin Owens went on to become the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions by defeating the Usos.

While speaking to the Whiskey Ginger podcast, Sami Zayn explained that when he signed with WWE years ago, he became part of the NXT brand. The former NXT Champion actually took quite a hefty pay cut when he joined WWE as well. After all, he was one of the biggest names in the indies at the time.

“I signed my first WWE contract for $39,000. Because it was developmental, but you obviously get to make money later, which is what happened. So, I wasn’t too nearsighted about it, thinking that I was worth so much more. You kinda understand when to take it on the chin, and when you’ll make it up.”

Advertising

Advertising

“Within eight months, they started sending me on the road to do road loops. At that point, I was making only $50,000, but when the first check came in for the road loop, there was 6 or 7 grand in there. At that point, I had like a light bulb moment where I realized, ‘Oh my god, I’m here to make money.’ Money is so not why I do this. Don’t get me wrong — I enjoy having it versus not having it.”

We’ll have to see what’s next for Sami Zayn. He is in a big six-man tag team match at Backlash as he teams with Matt Riddle and Kevin Owens to take on Solo Sikoa and The Usos. That might close up his storyline with the Bloodline for now, but you can never say never in WWE.

What’s your take on Sami Zayn taking a big pay cut when he joined WWE? Sound off in the comments!