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Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn is a Canadian professional wrestler and humanitarian currently signed with WWE. He is recognized for his in-ring talent, distinctive personality, and principled stance on human rights, most notably for declining to perform at a WWE event in Saudi Arabia.

Related Biography: Kevin Owens

Background and Early Life

Born as Rami Sebei on July 12, 1984, in Laval, Quebec, Canada, Zayn is of Syrian descent. His parents immigrated from Homs, Syria, to Canada in the 1970s. Raised in a North American environment while rooted in Middle Eastern heritage, Zayn grew up bilingual and maintains a strong connection to his cultural identity.

Professional Wrestling Career

Before joining WWE, Sami Zayn gained prominence on the independent wrestling circuit under the ring name El Generico. Known for his high-energy performances, signature mask, and rallying cry "Olé!", he built a global fan base between 2002 and 2013. Upon signing with WWE, he removed his mask and began wrestling under his real name, marking a shift to a more personal and expressive in-ring character.

In WWE, Zayn quickly made his mark, becoming a former NXT Champion and earning a Slammy Award. His career includes high-profile matches and ongoing rivalries with top performers such as John Cena, Seth Rollins, Triple H, and The Undertaker.

Beyond WWE, Zayn's accomplishments span international promotions. He is a former KO-D Openweight Champion for Japan’s DDT Pro-Wrestling, and held the wXw Unified World Wrestling Championship in Germany. He is also a two-time IWS World Heavyweight Champion for Canada’s International Wrestling Syndicate and a former ROH World Television Champion with Ring of Honor.

Frequently appearing in WWE pay-per-view events like the Royal Rumble and contending in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture, Zayn has cemented himself as a regular fixture in major storylines and title chases.

In June 2019, Zayn teamed with Kevin Owens to defeat The New Day at WWE’s Stomping Grounds event. The duo, portraying antagonists, were met with heavy boos from the audience, a testament to their strong characters and crowd engagement.

Humanitarian Efforts and Advocacy

Sami Zayn is notable not only for his wrestling achievements but also for his activism. He garnered widespread attention for opting out of WWE’s events in Saudi Arabia, citing the nation’s human rights record. His stance highlighted issues related to performer agency and global politics within professional wrestling.

Moreover, Zayn founded the "Sami for Syria" campaign, which raises funds to support mobile medical units in conflict-affected regions of Syria. His ongoing humanitarian efforts reflect his strong values and commitment beyond the wrestling ring.

Personal Life

Despite his public career, Zayn is known for keeping his personal life private. He is married to a woman named Deeja. Little is publicly known about her, as Zayn chooses not to share details about his family or relationship, maintaining a boundary between his professional and personal life. Friends close to the couple have described Deeja as a supportive and steady presence in Zayn’s life.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 12 Jul, 1984
Age: 36 yrs
Occupations: Professional wrestler
Citizenship: Syria
Canada
Birth Place: Laval
Gender: Male
Description: Canadian professional wrestler
Net Worth 2021: 1 million
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Last Modified: Nov 21 2025
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