After training Tommy “The Machine” Gunn and Adonis “Donnie” Johnson, Sylvester Stallone may enter WWE to train ex-Bloodline member Sami Zayn. The actor became synonymous with his character Rocky Balboa in the boxing world and played a crucial role in widening the reach of the sport in America. However, one former WWE legend is not happy about this news and shared that he would denounce the star’s Rocky films if his WWE entry ever happened.
The legend is none other than pro wrestling veteran Vince Russo. Sami Zayn had a string of bad luck in the recent past. However, his last year’s match against Roman Reigns for the title of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion made him a people’s favorite, despite losing the match.
Vince Russo Will Be Very Disappointed If Sylvester Stallone Trains Sami Zayn
WrestleMania 40 is set to be held at one of the iconic locations for boxing and film fans. The event will be held in Rocky’s own Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A few clues, including the location, have left fans wondering whether Sylvester Stallone will make an appearance in WrestleMania 40. Many believe the 77-year-old actor may train one of the star wrestlers, dubbed ‘WWE’s Rocky’ by the top brass.
The star wrestler, Sami Zayn, hinted at his ‘Rocky’ connection when he recalled his high-profile match with former Bloodline co-member Roman Reigns last February. Speaking to Jackie Redmond on RAW, he revealed that Triple H, the Chief Content Officer of WWE, told him that he was “Rocky” after the match (via ClutchPoints). Despite Zayn losing the match against Reigns, Triple H only had high hopes for the 39-year-old wrestler.
The whole comparison did not sit well with Vince Russo. He lashed out that if WWE ever planned a storyline with Sylvester Stallone training him, he would denounce the Rocky films. The legend even went on to bash Sami Zayn, calling him a clown, and shared that he should not get such a storyline, particularly in a match against Gunther. Vince Russo shared on his show The Brand:
“This is borderline sacrilege and if this does happen I swear to god, I may walk away from this thing forever. Because this is the one thing I cannot tolerate… If we go from Apollo Creed to Clubber Lang to Ivan Drago to Sami Zayn, game over for me, GAME FREAKING OVER. I will denounce Rocky… If they are going to put Sylvester Stallone in this clown’s corner, no less against Gunther and he’s going to go over, that is game over for me.”
While Stallone’s entry is still largely speculation, it appears that Zayn will get his WrestleMania match in Philadelphia. He had a staredown with Gunther on Monday Night’s RAW, which may hint at a clash between the wrestlers for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 40.
The Match With Roman Reigns Gave Sami Zayn A Rocky Level Status
In Rocky, Apollo Creed is an undefeated champion whereas Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa is an underdog in the game who gave his best fight against the champion. Sami Zayn’s match with Roman Reigns was almost similar to the film. Zayn was given a grand welcome in his hometown of Montreal, whereas Reigns was continuously booed by the crowd.
Zayn gave a hell of a fight before he accepted defeat at the hands of Reigns. Zayn recalled Triple H’s words after the match to Jackie Redmond:
“Triple H pulled me aside after the match and said, ‘Listen to me, you have nothing to be down about, you just gave the performance of a lifetime.’ He goes to me, ‘You’re Rocky, you’re the ultimate underdog and, you know, in Rocky, he overcomes all of these obstacles and he doesn’t beat the champion in Rocky but he goes the distance with the champion and makes a name for himself and that’s what you just did tonight.'”
Zayn defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in the RAW match a few days ago. While Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and The Rock are putting in their best efforts to boost the pay-per-view of the event, Sami Zayn is trying to pave his way to the ‘Show of Shows’ of WWE. WrestleMania 40 will take place on April 6 and 7, 2024
