WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash publicly congratulated Sami Zayn on his first world championship win, and the legend’s remarks went deeper than a simple pat on the back.
Nash framed Zayn’s title reign as validation that a wrestler can reach the top of the industry without softening his political convictions.
Monday’s episode of Kliq This was the first Nash recorded since Zayn captured the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions. Nash said he was glad to see Zayn rewarded after years of staying true to himself.
I just wanted to personally say congratulations to Sami Zayn on becoming the World Champion. You busted your ass, you’ve endured a lot of things, you’ve been told to watch your political stance,” Nash said.
You’ve jumped through some hoops, and I’m glad that you’ve stayed in there, persevered. And I’m happy to see you get that. And there’s a lot of people and a lot of the boys that are happy that you’ve been rewarded.
Zayn’s activism over the years has included raising money for relief efforts in Syria and showing support for Palestinian rights. Nash’s comments acknowledged the pressure Zayn faced to stay quiet on those issues.
Nash on what a world title really means
Nash went on to describe winning a world championship as the most genuine moment the business offers, a sign that management trusts you to be the face of the company.
Until you become World Champion, you don’t know what it’s like to be a World Champion. And when they hand you that belt for the first time, it’s as real as our sports entertainment will get,” Nash said. “So I know that you had that feeling because I got it in Madison Square Garden.
He added that the title “signifies, if nothing else, somebody that they trust in and put in a position to, whether it be a month, a week, 10 years, to be the face of the company.”
Zayn won the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Triple Threat Match against Cody Rhodes and Gunther at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, pinning Rhodes to claim the first world title of his WWE career. Nash also praised Rhodes for dropping the belt, saying, “Cody has no problem putting anybody over.”
On the July 6 episode of Raw in Chicago, Zayn is set to defend his title against Cody Rhodes.
