Sebei made his professional wrestling debut on March 1, 2002, for the FLQ promotion in Quebec as Stevie McFly.[7] On July 14, as El Generico, he made hisInternational Wrestling Syndicate (IWS) debut atScarred For Life in a count out victory.[7] On October 18, 2003, atBlood, Sweat and Beers,Pierre Carl Ouellet defeated Generico andKevin Steen in atriple threat match.[8]
On November 15, atPayback's A Bitch, El Generico defeated Steen in their first-ever singles match against each other.[8] IWS held its fifth-anniversary show "V" on June 15, 2004, at Le SPAG, where Generico defeated PCO to win his firstIWS World Heavyweight Championship, only to have Steen cash in his number one contendership (won earlier in the night against Excess 69) and defeat Generico for the title.[9] On September 11, atCZW High Stakes II, Generico, Steen and Excess 69 lost toSeXXXy Eddy in an IWS four-way match which was unofficially chosen as "CZW Match of the Year".[9][10]
On February 16, 2008, Generico defeated Steen for the IWS World Heavyweight Championship atViolent Valentine.[11] He lost the title on March 22, atKnow Your Enemies, to Steen in a three-way match also involvingMax Boyer.[11]
In mid-2009, Generico entered a lengthy feud with the tag team Men of Low Moral Fiber, consisting ofKenny Omega andChuck Taylor, recruitingColt Cabana, refereeRick Knox, and former partner Human Tornado (effectively reuniting 2 Skinny Black Guys) to stand by his side. At PWG's sixth anniversary event,Threemendous II, 2 Skinny Black Guys defeated current championsThe Young Bucks in a non-title match, giving the Bucks their first tag team loss in almost a year and a half. On November 21, on Night 2 of the2009 Battle of Los Angeles, Generico and Kevin Steen failed to win the titles from the Bucks.[12]
On May 9, 2010, Generico teamed up withPaul London as ¡Peligro Abejas! (translated as Danger Bees!) in the fourth annualDynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament eight-team tag tournament. After defeating Chuck Taylor andScott Lost in the first round and theBriscoe Brothers (Jay andMark) in the semifinals, Generico and London defeated the Young Bucks in the finals of the tournament to not only win DDT4, but also the PWG World Tag Team Championship, Generico's fifth time holding the title.[13] On December 11, El Generico earned himself a shot at the PWG World Championship when ¡Peligro Abejas! successfully defended the PWG World Tag Team Championship againstKings of Wrestling(Chris Hero and PWG World ChampionClaudio Castagnoli).[14] Generico received his shot at the PWG World Championship on January 29, 2011, during theWrestleReunion 5 weekend, but was defeated by Castagnoli.[15] On April 9, El Generico teamed withRicochet, who filled in for London who was unable to appear at the event, where they lost the PWG World Tag Team Championship back to The Young Bucks.[16][17] On August 20, Generico entered the2011 Battle of Los Angeles, defeating Castagnoli andWillie Mack in his first round and semifinal matches. Later that night, Generico defeated Steen in the finals to win the tournament, becoming the first person to have won the PWG World and World Tag Team championships as well as the DDT4 and Battle of Los Angeles tournaments and earning a match for Steen's PWG World Championship.[18] On October 22, El Generico defeated Steen in aladder match, following outside interference from The Young Bucks, to win the PWG World Championship for the second time.[19] On March 17, 2012, El Generico re-lost the title to Steen in a three-way match, which also includedEddie Edwards.[20]
El Generico made his farewell appearance for PWG on January 12, 2013, when he and Steen entered the2013 Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament. After wins over the Briscoe Brothers and Future Shock (Adam Cole andKyle O'Reilly), Generico and Steen were defeated in the finals of the tournament by The Young Bucks.[21]
On February 19, 2005, El Generico made his debut forPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania–based promotionChikara, taking part in the2005 Tag World Grand Prix, where he teamed with Steen as Team IWS. The team made it to the quarterfinals of the tournament, before being defeated by the SuperFriends (Chris Hero andMike Quackenbush).[22]
Three years later, El Generico returned to Chikara to take part in the2008 King of Trios, where he teamed withPlayer Uno andStupefied, again, as Team IWS. After defeating the F1rst Family (Arik Cannon, Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz) in their first round match on March 1, Team IWS was eliminated from the tournament later that same day by eventual tournament winnersLos Luchadores de Mexico (Incognito,Lince Dorado andEl Pantera).[23] The following year, on March 27, El Generico returned for the2009 King of Trios, teaming with Matt and Nick Jackson as Team PWG. They were eliminated from the tournament in the first round byThe Osirian Portal (Amasis, Escorpion Egipcio andOphidian).[24] The following day, El Generico entered theRey de Voladores tournament, but lost toKota Ibushi in his four-way elimination semifinal match, which also includedJigsaw and Nick Jackson.[25] On the third night of the tournament, Generico lost to Arik Cannon.[26]
1–2–3 Kid (left) embracing Generico after their match at King of Trios in April 2011
El Generico next appeared for Chikara on January 23, 2011, losing toEddie Kingston.[27] For the2011 King of Trios, El Generico came together with3.0 (Scott Parker and Shane Matthews) to form ¡3.0le!. The team was eliminated from the tournament in the first round by The Osirian Portal (Amasis,Hieracon and Ophidian).[28] The following day, Generico entered his secondRey de Voladores and defeated Pinkie Sanchez,Zack Sabre Jr. andMarshe Rockett in his four-way elimination semifinal match to qualify for the following day's finals,[29] where he defeated the1–2–3 Kid to win the 2011Rey de Voladores.[30] On July 30, ¡3.0le! defeated F.I.S.T. (Chuck Taylor,Icarus andJohnny Gargano), but lost to the Spectral Envoy (Frightmare,Hallowicked andUltraMantis Black) the following day.[31]
El Generico first wrestled forRing of Honor (ROH) atFinal Battle on December 26, 2004, as The Weapon Of Mask Destruction #2, where he was defeated byJay Lethal.[32] He competed in a Four Corner Survival match on February 19, 2005 atDo Or Die IV, but was unsuccessful.[33] Generico teamed with the Ring Crew Express (Dunn and Marcos) in theTrios Tournament 2005, losing to the Rottweilers.[34] Generico lost toRoderick Strong atStalemate on April 16[35] andAustin Aries atFate of an Angel on July 16,[36] but achieved his first victory against Kevin Steen on July 23 atThe Homecoming (despite the match not making it onto the event's DVD).[37] After a loss toHomicide on August 27 atDragon Gate Invasion,[38] Generico was not seen in ROH until he returned on November 25, 2006, atDethroned, where he was defeated byBrent Albright.[39]
On February 17, 2007, El Generico formed a permanent team with Kevin Steen, facing the Briscoe Brothers atFifth Year Festival: Philly in a losing effort.[40] On April 14, Mark Briscoe returned in the middle of a match between Generico and Steen and his brother Jay andErick Stevens atFighting Spirit. Mark was attacked by the duo, however, and was pinned by Steen after apackage piledriver.[41] AtRespect is Earned on July 1, Steen and El Generico defeatedThe Irish Airborne (Jake and Dave Crist), Pelle Primeau and Mitch Franklin, andJimmy Rave andAdam Pearce in a Tag Team Scramble dark match. That same night, they brawled with the Briscoe Brothers, ending with Mark suffering a mild concussion from a steel chair shot.[42] AtDriven on September 21, the Briscoe Brothers defeated Generico and Steen to retain theROH World Tag Team Championship.[43] AtDeath Before Dishonor V Night 1 on August 10, they defeated the Briscoes in a non-titleBoston Street Fight.[44] Generico and Steen then suffered three consecutive losses to the Briscoes atCaged Rage on August 24 in a steel cage match,[45]Manhattan Mayhem II on August 25 in atwo out of three falls match,[46] andMan Up on November 30 in ROH's first-everladder match.[47]
Generico in May 2008
In the midst of their feud, Generico emerged as a singles competitor in the 2007 Race to the Top tournament, defeatingDelirious, Hero andDavey Richards, before losing to Claudio Castagnoli in the final round.[48][49] AtUp For Grabs on June 6, 2008, Steen and Generico participated in a one night tournament to crown new ROH World Tag Team Champions, defeatingGo Shiozaki andROH World ChampionNigel McGuinness in the first round, Chris Hero and Adam Pearce in the second round, but losing toJimmy Jacobs andTyler Black in the finals.[50] On August 15, Generico failed to win the ROH World Championship from McGuinness atAge of Insanity.[51] On September 19, Generico and Steen defeatedThe Age of the Fall atDriven to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship.[52] Generico again failed to win the title from McGuinness atGlory by Honor VII the next day,[53] in a fatal four-way match atThe French Connnection on November 7,[54] and atCaged Collision on January 31, 2009 (which aired on April 17).[55] At a television taping on April 10, Generico and Steen lost the ROH World Tag Team Championship toThe American Wolves (Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards).[52] Shortly after, Generico suffered a knee injury, but he returned to action the following month.[56][57]
On December 19, atFinal Battle, ROH's first livepay-per-view, after a loss toThe Young Bucks, El Generico was attacked by Steen.[58] He then formed a team with Colt Cabana and together the two of them started a feud with Steen and his new partnerSteve Corino. AtThe Big Bang! on April 3, 2010, Generico and Cabana defeated Steen and Corino via disqualification, when Steen used a chair on his former partner.[59] On June 19, atDeath Before Dishonor VIII, Generico lost to Steen.[60] On September 11, atGlory By Honor IX, Generico and Cabana defeated Steen and Corino in aDouble Chain match, when Cabana forced Corino to tap out. After the match, Steen attacked El Generico and unmasked him.[61] AtFinal Battle on December 18, El Generico and Steen ended their year-long feud in anunsanctionedFight Without Honor, where Generico put his mask on the line against Steen's ROH career. Generico won the match and thus forced Steen out of Ring of Honor.[62] On March 2, 2011, ROH announced that El Generico had signed a new contract with the promotion.[63]
On Night 1 ofHonor Takes Center Stage on April 1, Generico lost toHouse of Truth'sMichael Elgin after interference from a masked man.[64] The following day, he defeated another House of Truth member, Roderick Strong, but after the match was attacked by Elgin and stable leaderTruth Martini. Cabana came out to make the save but was stopped by the House of Truth's advantage in numbers.Christopher Daniels then came out to seemingly help the two, however, he turned on Generico and Cabana, joining the House of Truth and revealing himself as the man who had cost Generico his match against Elgin.[65] On June 26, atBest in the World 2011, Generico defeated Daniels to win theROH World Television Championship.[66] He lost the title toJay Lethal on August 13 at the firstRing of Honor Wrestling tapings under theSinclair Broadcast Group banner.[67]
After a loss to the reinstated Kevin Steen in a Last Man Standing match on March 30, 2012, atShowdown in the Sun, El Generico disappeared from ROH.[68] On October 13, atGlory By Honor XI: The Unbreakable Hope, Steen received a parcel containing Generico's mask.[69] Generico returned to ROH atFinal Battle 2012: Doomsday on October 16, unsuccessfully challenging Steen for the ROH World Championship in a ladder war, which marked his last appearance in ROH.[70]
Generico travelled to Japan during the summer of 2007, where he worked for theDragon Gate (DG) promotion as the gaijin (foreign) representative of theNew Hazard stable.[71][72] He returned to the promotion in July 2008, where he was announced as Tozawa-juku's "foreign exchange student."[73] El Generico made his third tour of Dragon Gate in October 2009, when he wrestled as a member of the Kamikaze stable.[74]
In early 2011, El Generico began making semi-regular appearances for the JapaneseDDT Pro-Wrestling sister-promotion Union Pro Wrestling, making his debut on January 3 with a win over Shinichiro Tominaga.[75] On September 19, El Generico won his first title in Japan, when he defeatedIsami Kodaka for theDDT Extreme Championship.[76] After successful title defenses againstShuji Ishikawa andSanshiro Takagi,[77][78] he lost the title back to Kodaka on January 3, 2012.[79]
El Generico has also made appearances for Union Pro's parent promotion,DDT Pro-Wrestling, most notably defeating Kota Ibushi in Ibushi's return match from a shoulder injury on May 4, 2012.[80] On August 18, El Generico wrestled his first match in theNippon Budokan, defeating the debutingKonosuke Takeshita.[81] On September 30, El Generico defeated Ibushi to win theKO-D Openweight Championship, DDT's top title.[82][83] El Generico made his first successful title defense on October 21 in a rematch against Ibushi.[84] On November 25, El Generico defeatedKO-D Tag Team ChampionMikami to retain the title.[85] On December 23, El Generico lost the KO-D Openweight Championship to Kenny Omega.[86]
On March 31, 2012, El Generico made his debut forDragon Gate USA (DGUSA), when he defeated Chuck Taylor,Cima, Lince Dorado,Rich Swann andSamuray del Sol in a six-way match.[87] On April 13, El Generico made his debut forEvolve, a promotion closely affiliated with DGUSA, losing toLow Ki.[88] After another loss to Ricochet on May 11,[89] El Generico achieved his first victory in the promotion on May 12, defeatingSami Callihan.[90] El Generico defeated Samuray del Sol at Evolve 14 on June 28 and lost a rematch the following day at Evolve 15.[91][92] El Generico returned to Dragon Gate USA on July 28, when he and Samuray were defeated in a tag team match byA. R. Fox and Cima.[93] On September 8, El Generico and Samuray del Sol faced off in another Evolve main event, which Generico won.[94] On November 4, at Dragon Gate USA's Freedom Fight 2012, Generico and Samuray defeatedGenki Horiguchi andRyo Saito.[95] The two continued their winning ways on December 8, at Evolve 18, where they defeated the Super Smash Bros. (Player Uno and Stupefied).[96]
From 2005 onwards, El Generico has made several appearances for the GermanWestside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw) promotion.[97] On March 4, 2012, El Generico defeatedTommy End to win wXw's 2012 16 Carat Gold Tournament.[98] On May 19, El Generico defeatedBig van Walter to win thewXw Unified World Wrestling Championship,[99] which he held until August 12, when he lost toAxel Tischer in a four-way match also involvingBad Bones andKarsten Beck.[100] In October 2009, El Generico traveled to Poland to take part in Do or Die Wrestling's event in Warsaw, defeating Michael Kovac in the main event.[101] In May 2010, Generico competed in the main-event of Capital City Championship Combat's show,Stand Alone. On October 23, Generico competed at Pro Wrestling Superstars' inaugural show in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he teamed with Paul London to defeat Joey Silvia and Jake Manning.[102]
On January 11, 2011, El Generico wrestled in a tryoutdark match forTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) at the promotion'sImpact! tapings, losing toAmazing Red.[103] On April 20, El Generico made his South American debut, when he wrestled forPeruvian promotion Leader Wrestling Association (LWA), facing Apocalipsis, Axl and Kaiser in a number one contender's match to determine a challenger for Caoz, the promotion's "Campeón Máximo", which was won by Kaiser.[104] On April 24, El Generico wrestled forChilean promotion Xplosion Nacional de Lucha (XNL), losing to Crazy Sid in an XNL Championship number one contender's three-way match, which also included XL.[105] On February 26, 2012, El Generico defeated Ivan "Locomotive" Markov at a show for the Russian promotion Independent Wrestling Federation (IWF).[106] On September 8, Generico made an appearance forCombat Zone Wrestling (CZW), unsuccessfully challengingMasada for theCZW World Heavyweight Championship.[107]
After signing with WWE, El Generico made his final Canadian independent appearance on January 18, 2013, for theHart Legacy Wrestling (HLW) promotion inCalgary. In the opening four-way elimination match, El Generico and Samuray del Sol were victorious over Cam!kaze and Pete Wilson,Brian Cage andTrent Barreta, and Andrew Hawkes and Ryan Rollins. As a result, the two earned a spot in the main event ten-man tag team match, where they teamed with Barreta,Davey Boy Smith Jr. andJack Evans in a losing effort against the team ofTeddy Hart, Cage, Cam!kaze, Flip Kendrick and Wilson, with Hart pinning Generico.[108][109]
In January 2013, Sebei signed withWWE[4][110][111] after passing all medical tests.[112] On February 13, Sebei made his debut for WWE'sdevelopmental territoryNXT, but did not wrestle.[113] Sebei's NXT in-ring debut took place at a live event on March 7 inTampa, Florida, wrestling a tag team match unmasked under his real name.[114] He eventually settled on the ring nameSami Zayn.[115]
Zayn made his televised debut on the May 22 episode ofNXT, first defeatingCurt Hawkins in the opening match and then challenging and scoring an upset win overAntonio Cesaro later in the show.[116] The following week, he took part in an 18-manbattle royal to determine the number one contender to theNXT Championship, but was eliminated byMason Ryan.[117] On the June 12 episode ofNXT, Zayn suffered his first pinfall loss in NXT in a rematch with Cesaro.[118] On the July 31 episode ofNXT, Zayn teamed with NXT ChampionBo Dallas against Cesaro andLeo Kruger; after Cesaro and Zayn brawled to the back, Dallas lost the match and blamed Zayn for the loss.[119][120] On the August 21 episode ofNXT, Zayn lost to Cesaro in atwo-out-of-three falls match to conclude the feud.[121] On September 6, Zayn made his WWE debut at ahouse show in his hometown ofMontreal, defeating Cesaro.[122]
When Zayn targeted Dallas' NXT Championship, Dallas cost Zayn his match against Cesaro's fellow Real AmericanJack Swagger.[123] Dallas held an open challenge to determine the next title contender, but banned Zayn from competing.[124] However, Zayn masqueraded as the masked El Local, defeating Dallas to earn his title shot on the October 16 episode ofNXT.[125] NXT General ManagerJohn Bradshaw Layfield restarted the match when Zayn won despite Dallas' foot being on the ropes, after which he sent Zayn into an exposed turnbuckle to retain the title.[126] In November 2013, after tying a Beat the Clock challenge withAdrian Neville by defeating Kruger,[127] Zayn lost a number one contender's match to Neville on the November 27 episode ofNXT.[128] On the January 1, 2014 episode ofNXT, Zayn defeated Kruger in a two-out-of-three falls match.[129] After this, Zayn's obsession with his loss to Cesaro the previous year led to him challenging Cesaro to a rematch atNXT Arrival on February 27,[130] which he lost, but Cesaro showed respect to Zayn after the match.[131] On the May 8 episode ofNXT, Zayn participated in a 20-man battle royal for an NXT Championship shot, with Zayn being involved in a triple threat match tie.[132] As a result, Zayn faced the other two winners,Tyler Breeze andTyson Kidd in a triple threat match on the next episode ofNXT, where Kidd won to become number one contender.[133] AtNXT TakeOver on May 29, Zayn lost to Breeze in another number one contender's match.[134]
In June, Zayn began feuding with Kidd, who abandoned him during a match againstNXT Tag Team ChampionsThe Ascension.[135] After Zayn defeatedJustin Gabriel,[136] both Kidd and Gabriel attacked Zayn, who was saved by his friend, NXT Champion Adrian Neville.[137] Zayn defeated Kidd on the July 17 episode ofNXT[138] and in a first round tournament tag team match for an opportunity at the NXT Tag Team Championship withAdam Rose against Gabriel and Kidd.[139] Zayn and Rose lost in the second round to theLucha Dragons (Kalisto andSin Cara).[140] When Zayn, Kidd and Breeze each staked a claim for an NXT Championship match, Neville agreed to face all three in a fatal-four-way match atNXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way.[141] Zayn and Neville made their main roster debut on the September 8 episode ofRaw, defeating Breeze and Kidd.[142] At NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way on September 11, Zayn failed to win the title after Neville, who retained the title, stopped him by dragging the referee out of the ring.[143] This caused tension within Neville and Zayn's friendship.[144][145] After Zayn lost another match, this time toTitus O'Neil, he vowed to start a "road to redemption" leading to the NXT Championship and went on a winning streak.[146][147][148] Zayn was rewarded with a title match against Neville on the November 13 episode ofNXT in which Neville appeared to injure himself during the match, but he took advantage on Zayn checking on him to win the match and retain the title.[149] Neville agreed to Zayn's request for a title rematch, with Zayn vowing to quit NXT if he lost.[150]
AtNXT TakeOver: R Evolution on December 11, Zayn defeated Neville to win the NXT Championship, and was congratulated by many other NXT wrestlers afterwards, including Neville andKevin Owens (the former Kevin Steen). The show ended with Owens powerbombing Zayn onto the ring apron to ruin their reunion.[151] Zayn retained the title against Neville in a rematch on the January 14, 2015, episode ofNXT, but suffered another post-match attack by Owens.[152] After an irate Zayn demanded a match against Owens, even if it meant putting the title on the line, a title match was set forNXT TakeOver: Rival on February 11,[153][154] where Owens captured the title from Zayn via referee stoppage, having powerbombed a disorientated Zayn five times, ending his reign at 62 days.[155]
On the May 4 episode ofRaw, Zayn was introduced byBret Hart asJohn Cena's opponent for his weekly "U.S. Open Challenge" for hisUnited States Championship, taking place in his hometown of Montreal. Zayn was heavily favored by the crowd over Cena, but lost the match. After the match, Cena let Zayn have the ring to an outstanding ovation from the live crowd.[156] However, Zayn had injured his shoulder before the match and underwent an MRI for further analysis.[157] AtNXT TakeOver: Unstoppable on May 20, Zayn's NXT Championship rematch against Owens ended in a no contest when Zayn was unable to continue the match. Owens continued assaulting Zayn until the debutingSamoa Joe made the save. This was used to write Zayn off television as he was set to undergo shoulder surgery.[158] After a seven-month hiatus due to injury, Zayn returned on the December 23 episode ofNXT (taped atNXT TakeOver: London on December 16), defeatingTye Dillinger.[159] AtNXT TakeOver: Dallas on April 1, Zayn lost to new signeeShinsuke Nakamura.[160]
After losing to Jericho on September 25 atClash of Champions,[172] Zayn began a feud withBraun Strowman after preventing him from confronting Raw General ManagerMick Foley.[173] On the November 1 episode ofSmackDown Live, Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler made an open challenge to any wrestler from the Raw brand.[174] The following week, Zayn stated that Foley wanted him to face Ziggler, but CommissionerStephanie McMahon, who preferredRusev, arranged a match with the winner facing Ziggler for the title, which Zayn won.[175] On the November 15 episode ofSmackDown Live, The Miz defeated Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship and Zayn instead faced him atSurvivor Series on November 20, but lost.[176][177] The next night onRaw, Foley ordered Zayn to face Strowman as punishment for failing to bring the title to Raw; Strowman attacked Zayn before the match and attacked him until Foley came out to stop the match.[178] Zayn refused to be traded to SmackDown and a match with Strowman was made forRoadblock: End of the Line on December 18 with a time limit of 10 minutes,[179] which Zayn won.[180] On the January 2, 2017 episode ofRaw, Zayn lost to Strowman in a Last Man Standing match, ending their feud.[181]
On the January 23 episode ofRaw, Zayn defeatedSeth Rollins to win Rollins' opportunity in the Royal Rumble match after Rollins was distracted byTriple H.[182] At theRoyal Rumble on January 29, Zayn entered at number 8 and lasted over 47 minutes before being eliminated byThe Undertaker.[183] On the February 13 episode ofRaw, Zayn responded to comments made bySamoa Joe during a backstage interview, and was attacked by Joe,[184] who defeated Zayn on March 5 atFastlane.[185] On the March 27 episode ofRaw, Zayn defeated Owens in a no disqualification match to save his job.[186]
AtHell in a Cell on October 8, Zayn helped Kevin Owens defeat Shane McMahon in a Hell in a Cell match, turningheel for the first time in his career.[193] On the October 10 episode ofSmackDown Live, Zayn referred to Owens as his "brother" and explained that his actions were due to McMahon not giving Zayn opportunities despite SmackDown being dubbed the "Land of Opportunity".[194] AtClash of Champions on December 17, Owens and Zayn defeatedRandy Orton andShinsuke Nakamura in a tag team match with SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon and SmackDown General ManagerDaniel Bryan as special guest referees and their jobs on the line.[195] Owens and Zayn failed to win Styles's WWE Championship in ahandicap match atRoyal Rumble on January 28, 2018[196] and atFastlane on March 11 in a six-pack challenge.[197]
On the March 20 episode ofSmackDown, Zayn and Owens were (kayfabe) fired by Bryan as punishment for an attack against McMahon the week prior.[198] AtWrestleMania 34 on April 8, Owens and Zayn lost to Bryan and McMahon, after Bryan submitted Zayn.[199] On the April 16 episode ofRaw, Zayn and Owens were awarded Raw contracts byRaw CommissionerStephanie McMahon.[200] AtBacklash on May 6, Zayn and Owens lost toBobby Lashley and Braun Strowman.[201] AtMoney in the Bank on June 17, Zayn lost to Lashley.[202] Following the event, it was reported that Zayn had surgery to repair both of his rotator cuffs.[203] He was later reported to have undergone a successful double shoulder surgery.[204]
Zayn returned from injury on the April 8, 2019 episode ofRaw, losing to Intercontinental ChampionFinn Bálor.[205] The following week, Zayn defeated Strowman with the help of Baron Corbin andDrew McIntyre, earning Strowman's spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match.[206] AtMoney in the Bank on May 19, Zayn was attacked backstage and left unable to compete by who was believed to be Strowman, however it was later revealed to beBrock Lesnar, who took Zayn's place in the match.[207] Zayn and Owens defeatedThe New Day (Big E andXavier Woods) atStomping Grounds on June 23,[208] after which their team again drifted apart after Owens turned face and reignited his feud with Shane McMahon.[209] In August, Zayn lost toCedric Alexander in the first round of theKing of the Ring tournament.[210]
Shortly after, Zayn joined forces withIntercontinental ChampionShinsuke Nakamura, being positioned as Nakamura'smouthpiece.[211] As part of the2019 draft, Zayn was drafted to the SmackDown brand,[212] where he also became the manager ofCesaro.[213] AtElimination Chamber on March 8, Zayn, Nakamura, and Cesaro defeated Strowman in a 3-on-1 handicap match to win the Intercontinental Championship; Zayn won the title by pinning Strowman.[214] On Night 1 ofWrestleMania 36 on April 4, Zayn defeated Daniel Bryan to retain the title.[215] On May 12, he was stripped of the championship after refraining from competing during theCOVID-19 pandemic, ending his reign at 65 days.[216] Zayn returned on the August 28 episode ofSmackDown, attacking Intercontinental ChampionJeff Hardy and declaring himself the "real" Intercontinental Champion.[217] AtClash of Champions on September 27, Zayn defeated Hardy andAJ Styles in a triple threat ladder match to regain the Intercontinental Championship by handcuffing both with the ladders.[218] On the October 2 episode ofSmackDown, Zayn defeated Hardy to retain the title.[219] AtSurvivor Series on November 22, Zayn lost to United States ChampionBobby Lashley in a champion vs. champion match.[220] On the December 25 episode ofSmackDown, he lost the Intercontinental Championship toBig E, ending his second reign at 89 days.[221]
On January 31, 2021, atRoyal Rumble, Zayn entered at number 3, but was eliminated by Big E.[222] AtElimination Chamber on February 21, Zayn competed in the Elimination Chamber match where the winner would receive an immediateUniversal Championship match, but was the second man eliminated by Kevin Owens.[223] Zayn lost to Owens at Night 2 ofWrestleMania 37 on April 11,[224] defeated Owens atHell in a Cell on June 20,[225] and lost to Owens again in a Last Man StandingMoney in the Bank qualifying match on the July 2 episode ofSmackDown.[226]
In October, Zayn entered the King of the Ring tournament, defeating Rey Mysterio in the first round but lost to Finn Bálor in the semi-finals.[227][228] On November 6, Zayn was announced as a part of Team SmackDown atSurvivor Series,[229] however, on the November 12 episode ofSmackDown, Zayn faced Hardy in a match with the stipulation that whoever lost was removed from the SmackDown Survivor Series team, which Zayn lost, thus removing him.[230] On the November 26 episode ofSmackDown, Zayn won a battle royal to become the number one contender for theUniversal Championship by last eliminating Hardy.[231] Zayn received his title match againstRoman Reigns on the December 3 episode ofSmackDown, but lost in 15 seconds due toBrock Lesnar attacking him before the match.[232]
On the January 7, 2022 episode ofSmackDown, Zayn entered a feud withJohnny Knoxville, who announced his entry in the Royal Rumble match.[233] At thetitular event on January 29, Zayn entered at number 8 and eliminated Knoxville before being eliminated by Styles.[234] On the February 18 (taped February 11)[235] episode ofSmackDown, Zayn defeatedShinsuke Nakamura to win his third Intercontinental Championship.[236] He lost the title toRicochet on the March 4 episode ofSmackDown after interference from Knoxville, ending his reign at 21 days (recognized by WWE as 13 days).[237] The following week, Zayn failed to regain the Intercontinental Championship from Ricochet.[238] On Night 2 ofWrestleMania 38 on April 3, Zayn lost to Knoxville in an Anything Goes match after interference from the latter'sJackass co-actors.[239]
The Bloodline and reunion with Kevin Owens (2022–2023)
Following WrestleMania, having felt as he had lost respect and credibility in the locker room, Zayn sought to seek favor withThe Bloodline, a stable led by Reigns.[240] On the May 27 episode ofSmackDown, he was deemed an "Honorary Uce" and became an associate of the group.[241] AtMoney in the Bank on July 2, Zayn competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match, which was won byTheory.[242] On the September 23 episode ofSmackDown, Reigns declared Zayn an official "Honorary Uce".[243] Tensions also rose between Zayn and Bloodline memberJey Uso, who did not trust Zayn and constantly argued with him.[244][245][246] AtSurvivor Series: WarGames on November 26, Zayn, along with The Bloodline, defeatedThe Brawling Brutes (Sheamus,Butch, andRidge Holland), Kevin Owens andDrew McIntyre in aWarGames match. After the match, due to Zayn showing his loyalty to the stable by delivering a low blow to Owens, Jey accepted Zayn as part of The Bloodline.[247] In January 2023, Zayn was placed in Tribal Court atRaw is XXX, but he would be found "not guilty, for now" in regard to betraying The Bloodline.[248]
AtRoyal Rumble on January 28, after Reigns retained theUndisputed WWE Universal Championship against Owens, he had the rest of The Bloodline beat Owens down, but Zayn refused to join the beatdown and eventually hit Reigns with a chair, leading to the entire Bloodline (excluding Jey) attacking Zayn, turningface for the first time since 2017.[249] On February 18, atElimination Chamber, Zayn faced Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in front of his home crowd in Montreal, but failed to win the titles. After the match, Owens saved Zayn from a beatdown by Reigns and Jimmy.[250] Jey remained unbiased until the March 6 episode ofRaw, where he hit Zayn with a superkick to end their alliance.[251][252]
On Night 1 ofWrestleMania 39 on April 1, Zayn and Owens defeated The Usos to win theUndisputed WWE Tag Team Championship (consisting of both theRaw andSmackDown Tag Team Championships) in the main event.[253] They successfully defended the titles in a rematch on the April 28 episode ofSmackDown.[254] As part of the2023 WWE Draft, Zayn, along with Owens, was drafted to theRawbrand.[255] On May 27, atNight of Champions, Zayn and Owens retained their Undisputed Tag Team Championship against Reigns andSolo Sikoa.[256] AtPayback on September 2, Owens and Zayn lost the titles toThe Judgment Day'sDamian Priest andFinn Bálor in a Pittsburgh Steel City Street Fight, ending their reign at 154 days.[257] They were unsuccessful in a rematch for the titles on the September 25 episode ofRaw.[258] In October, Owens was traded to the SmackDown brand, splitting up the team of Zayn and Owens.[259]
Various storylines and championship reigns (2023–present)
On the March 11 episode ofRaw, Zayn won a gauntlet match to earn an Intercontinental Championship match againstGunther atWrestleMania XL.[267] Leading up to the event, he received training for the match byChad Gable. On Night 1 of WrestleMania XL on April 7, Zayn defeated Gunther to win the Intercontinental Championship for the fourth time, ending Gunther's record-setting title reign at 666 days and giving him his first pinfall loss on the main roster.[268] As a token of gratitude, Zayn gave Gable a title shot on the April 15 episode ofRaw, successfully defending the title. After the match, Gable attacked Zayn as he was celebrating with his wife at ringside.[269] On the April 29 episode ofRaw, Zayn defended his title againstBronson Reed, winning the match by disqualification after Gable attacked him.[270] The following week, Zayn attacked Gable during his match with Reed, leading to a triple threat match atKing and Queen of the Ring on May 25, where Zayn retained his title after pinning Reed.[271][272] On June 15, atClash at the Castle: Scotland, Zayn defeated Gable to retain the title, ending their feud.[273] AtMoney in the Bank on July 6, Zayn successfully defended the title againstBron Breakker.[274] On the July 15 episode ofRaw, Zayn defended his title againstIlja Dragunov, but the match ended in a no contest after Breakker attacked both Dragunov and Zayn.[275] AtSummerSlam on August 3, Zayn lost the Intercontinental Championship to Breakker, ending his fourth reign at 119 days.[276] He failed to regain the title from Breakker in atwo out of three falls match on the August 12 episode ofRaw, ending their feud.[277]
Zayn making his entrance on Night 1 ofSummerSlam in August 2025.
Zayn faced Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship on the October 7 episode ofRaw, but lost by technical submission after passing out to therear-naked choke.[278] AtCrown Jewel on November 2, after Roman Reigns and The Usos lost to the new iteration of The Bloodline, consisting of Sikoa,Tama Tonga,Tonga Loa andJacob Fatu, Zayn came to the aid of the Reigns-led Bloodline, but he accidentally kicked Reigns in the face while aiming for Sikoa.[279] AtSurvivor Series: WarGames on November 30, Zayn, Jey, Jimmy, Reigns andCM Punk defeated The Bloodline and Reed in a WarGames match.[280] On the December 2 episode ofRaw, after losing to Rollins, who Zayn accused of attacking Jey backstage, he was attacked by the returning McIntyre,[281] who defeated Zayn on December 14 atSaturday Night's Main Event.[282] AtRoyal Rumble on February 1, 2025, Zayn entered at number 27, but was eliminated by eventual winner Jey Uso.[283] On the February 3 episode ofRaw, after Zayn failed to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match against Punk, he was ambushed by Kevin Owens and hit with apackage piledriver, reigniting a feud between the two once again.[284] AtElimination Chamber: Toronto on March 1, he lost to Owens in aunsanctioned match.[285] After a brief hiatus, Zayn returned on the April 21 episode ofRaw, congratulating Jey on his World Heavyweight Championship victory atWrestleMania 41.[286] Zayn would team withCM Punk in a losing effort against Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker atSaturday Night's Main Event XXXIX on May 24 following interference from a returning Bronson Reed.[287] In June, Zayn entered the2025 King of the Ring tournament and won the fatal four-way match in the first round,[288] but was eliminated by Randy Orton in the semi-finals.[289] Since January,Karrion Kross had been playing mind games with Zayn, believing that Zayn was a liar and not the good guy he portrayed himself to be, thus starting a feud between Zayn and Kross.[290] This would culminate in a match atNight of Champions, where Zayn won.[291][292] On the July 21 episode ofRaw, Zayn lost to Kross after the latter struck Zayn with a pipe.[293] Zayn and Kross would face off once again on Night 1 ofSummerSlam, where Zayn defeated Kross, ending their feud.[294][295]
Sebei is married to Khadija and has a son also named Rami.[323][324][325] He is avegan,[326] and is fluent in English, Arabic, and French.[318][327] Sebei is close friends with fellow professional wrestlerKevin Steen, better known in WWE as Kevin Owens, with whom he hasteamed up and feuded with throughout his career.[328]
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^Caldwell, James (September 30, 2012)."El Generico wins title in Japan".Pro Wrestling Torch. TDH Communications Inc. Archived fromthe original on October 2, 2012. RetrievedSeptember 30, 2012.
^O'Connor, Robert (January 19, 2013)."1/18 Hart Legacy Results".Pro Wrestling Insider. Archived fromthe original on November 4, 2013. RetrievedJanuary 20, 2013.
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