WWE’s Sami Zayn Looks Back On 2012 EVOLVE Match As El Generico

Before rising to WWE fame, Sami Zayn was known as El Generico, a masked persona with a striking resemblance to the current WWE Intercontinental Champion. To celebrate Zayn’s 40th birthday, WWE shared a video featuring Zayn introducing a 2014 EVOLVE match between El Generico and Samuray Del Sol (later Kalisto in WWE).

“A match featuring a competitor I’ve studied extensively in my career,” Zayn said. “I’ve been honored to be compared to him many times over the years. There are definite stylistic similarities. A man called El Generico.”

The main event match at EVOLVE 17, part of a trilogy, lasted just under 15 minutes, culminating in Zayn’s victory. The story highlighted Del Sol earning Generico’s respect throughout their series.

El Generico’s final match occurred in January 2013, where he teamed with Del Sol against teams including AEW stars Trent Beretta and Brian Cage. Shortly after, Zayn joined WWE, retiring the El Generico persona.

Reflecting on his time as Generico, Zayn emphasized his dedication to the character, maintaining the luchador tradition of concealing his face. Fans appreciated this mystery, as revealing his face would diminish the character’s charm.