Sami Zayn Recalls the Epic WrestleMania 38 Showdown with Johnny Knoxville

Sami Zayn revealed that he sensed something extraordinary would happen in his Anything Goes clash with Johnny Knoxville at WrestleMania 38. The 2022 Premium Live Event featured a chaotic bout filled with weapons and interference from Knoxville’s Jackass collaborators, ultimately resulting in a win for Zayn. The contest has divided fans, with opinions ranging from criticism of its silliness to praise for its entertainment value, and Zayn has repeatedly called it one of his favorites.

During an appearance on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Zayn looked back on the memorable match and highlighted the moment that hurt more than expected. Highlights of the bout are available below:

On When He Knew the Match Was Going To Be Special:

“I kind of knew it was going to be something special. I’d put something together in my head, think it through, and feel confident that it would land. But there were also moments of doubt right up until the curtain fell. Even if you hate me or wrestling altogether and were dragged to the show, this match would still get you. There’s no way around it.”

On Whether Knoxville Had Previous Wrestling Experience:

“He’s not a wrestler, not an athlete. He’s done some stunts, but he’s not a pro. Yet he was perfect for the role. I still hate him.”

On Still Hating Knoxville:

“The dislike lingers, but I won’t get into that now. He’s relentless, and that’s part of what made the match unique. You couldn’t cast anyone else in that spot and get the same chemistry. The Jackass gadgets became his signature offense, replacing traditional wrestling moves while still serving the same purpose.”

On Which Spot Hurt More Than It Should Have:

“The mousetrap table was brutal. It really hurt, and it feels wrong that the match is often dismissed as just a comedy spot. It has comedic elements, genuine violence, and some serious bumps—all of which I love about it.”

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