At a time where WWE was flying every possible superstar to Saudi Arabia for the Greatest Royal Rumble event, the fact Sami Zayn missed the show didn’t sit well with people and it was enough to start all kinds of rumors.
Shortly after the news broke out that Zayn will not be present at the show, WWE posted the following statement on his absence, which only increased the numbers of the questions:
“WWE is committed to embracing individuals from all backgrounds while respecting local customs and cultural differences around the world.”
Though now we may have an idea behind the reason why Sami missed the show. According to Bodyslam.net, Zayn was told by the Officials that he wasn’t needed for the event and the backstage feeling was that the company did so due to Syrian Muslim heritage.
The report said that Officials didn’t want to upset the Saudi Authorities for any reason and Pro Wrestling Sheet has now also confirmed these speculations.
It says that the former NXT Star didn’t fly to the country because he’s of Syrian descent. Syria’s strained diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia could have upset Saudi Officials if Zayn performed at the show so the company decided to leave him behind.
