Despite many traditional pro wrestling fans criticizing the match, Sami Zayn argued why that match against Johnny Knoxville at WrestleMania 38 made sense, comparing it to musician Bad Bunny’s incredible performances inside the ring.

“I actually think, from like an artistic … I think it’s an artistic triumph, if I may toot my own horn for a second. I think it’s so much more — I hate to even box into the category of like a comedy match because there’s like subtle things,” said Zayn. 

“There’s nothing in that match — if you go back and watch it and you are a wrestling purist about, you know, concerned about the sanctity of the industry and whatever — there’s a lot that’s done in that match that’s actually kind of designed to protect the business, for lack of a better term, than … like to me it made more sense to have that match with Johnny Knoxville than it does for Bad Bunny, just as an example, to walk into a wrestling ring, first time in his life and perform as well as WWE Superstars who have been doing it for 15 years.”

Zayn insisted that the match is one of the top 5 or 10 matches he’s ever had in his long pro wrestling career.  “I take a great deal of pride in that match, and when I think of my favorite matches, it definitely jumps in the top 5 or top 10 off the top of my head,” said Zayn.