WWE star Sami Zayn recently spoke with Al Arabiya to discuss his Canadian-Syrian heritage and promote WWE’s live events in Dubai. Below are some interview highlights:
On being a role model for Arabs:
“It’s a great source of pride for me to be representing Arabs on such a global platform and I consider it as a badge of honor. Growing up I loved watching wrestling on the WWE and finding an Arab wrestler to look up to was impossible. If you were in Arab you had mothers who wanted you to become a doctor or an engineer and it was the same to me. I perform so that kids watching television can see themselves represented and that their dreams and goals are attainable.”
On the perceptions of Arabs in North America:
“In North America, perceptions of Arabs are misunderstood and to be 100% honest, it’s not really favorable. I try not to put pressure on myself to be seen as ‘the good Arab guy’ but really I’m just being myself. And if I’m ever asked about it, I have no problem telling it. In fact, you’ll always see my name written in Arabic on my tights right in front for everyone to see it.”
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
