Sami Zayn Reflects On Classic NXT Match Against Cesaro

Sami Zayn Says His Two-Out-Of-Three Falls Match With Cesaro Changed The Industry

August 21, 2023

Sami Zayn speaks highly of his NXT bout against Cesaro.

Zayn feuded with Cesaro (Claudio Castagnoli) shortly after his arrival in WWE. The rivalry culminated on the August 2, 2013, episode of WWE NXT. There, Cesaro defeated Zayn in a remarkable two-out-of-three falls.

In a tweet, Zayn shared his thoughts on the match, as he was responding to a post that highlighted its tenth anniversary. Zayn shared his belief that the bout changed the industry. He also called it one of his proudest matches and noted that Cesaro was one of his best opponents.

At this risk of sounding dramatic or arrogant, this one match changed the industry. This was the day NXT became ‘a thing.’
Hard to explain the significance/context/landscape at that time, but suffice to say it’s one of my proudest matches, with one of my all-time best opponents. https://t.co/URDVQfg3zQ
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) August 21, 2023

Zayn and Castagnoli are now top stars in their respective companies. Sami holds the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship with Kevin Owens, while Castagnoli reigns supreme as the ROH World Champion. He is also featured as a member of Blackpool Combat Club on AEW programming.