Sami Zayn not only sealed his ticket to WrestleMania with a narrow getaway on Raw tonight, but he also won millions’ hearts by keeping his custom and religion intact. While WWE made a special effort to acknowledge his drive for the sport, fans sang the same tune.
One of the marquee attractions heading to tonight’s Raw live from Toyota Center in Houston, Texas was the Gauntlet match between six super-powerful men for getting their shots at Gunther’s Intercontinental Champion at WrestleMania 40. But Sami Zayn stood tall among the other five men (Chad Gable, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bronson Reed, Ricochet, JD McDonagh) in more than one way.
Michael Cole outlines the adversities Sami Zayn faced before emerging triumphant
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Despite being the favorite of last year’s WrestleMania pre-card, Zayn isn’t left with a chance to punch his ticket to Philadelphia this year except by showing his paramount mettle in the 6-men match tonight. So, he went all in. On top, as a devoted Muslim, the Raw star had to keep his Ramadan rituals uncompromised in the process. As he laced up the boots for the war, Michael Cole let the world know, ‘Today is the first day of Ramadan, Sami Zayn is Muslim. He said he has not been able to eat or drink throughout the day today. You have to wonder if that will affect him in this match.’
Today is the first day of Ramadan, Sami Zayn is muslim. He said he has not been able to eat or drink throughout the day today. You have to wonder if that will affect him in this match. – Michael Cole#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/ql0u5LSszj
— GIFSkullX (@GIFSkullX) March 12, 2024
This gesture from the company side blew fans away. They flocked in the comments to adore the former honourary Uce.
Fans laud Zayn’s extraordinary wrestling drive on Raw tonight
Fans seem concerned about his empty-stomach performance while totally appreciating the unfathomable dedication.
I did not even think about Sami Zayn fasting during Ramadan and how that might impact his wrestling.
I love Sami Zayn so much. ❤️
— Jenny 😻 (@kobidor) March 12, 2024
Sami Zayn WRESTLING wrestling while observing Ramadan and fasting… he's so real for that!
— Irene 🍉💜 (@purpaholicfan) March 12, 2024
Zayn already won before he actually won, as fans related to their own success mantras in life in his indomitable spirit.
I really need Sami Zayn to accomplish something big during RAMADAN. Even if he doesnt win this gauntlet I have hope he will accomplish something much bigger InshaAllah☝🏾#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/JXz4cuoz5m
— Raheeb🇧🇩🇮🇹 (@ItzRaheeb) March 12, 2024
They appreciated and thanked WWE for the unusual yet admirable mention
I’m already all in on @SamiZayn winning this match, but to hear @MichaelCole and @PatMcAfeeShow acknowledge Sami’s religion and that he is currently celebrating Ramadan is really awesome to hear❤️ #WWERaw
— Michelle Kay (@ChelleKay17) March 12, 2024
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They have nothing but the utmost respect for the 39-year-old.
@SamiZayn wrestling on the first day of Ramadan. Respect. #WWERaw
— Kyle Douglas (@kdizzy4shizzy) March 12, 2024
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With Zayn only a step away from being the new Intercontinental Champion in the house, it will be enthralling to see how the story moves forward.