WWE Releases Statement on Sami Zayn Not Appearing at Greatest Royal Rumble

– As previously reported, WWE Superstar Sami Zayn did not make an appearance at Friday’s Greatest Royal Rumble event. Zayn reportedly did not travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the show, and he wasn’t advertised to be appearing at the event either. Zayn’s absence from the event has drawn some controversy from the online wrestling community.

Zayn (real name Rami Sebei) hails from Montreal, Quebec, but he was born to Syrian immigrants. A storyline on Raw ultimately wrote Zayn out of appearing at the event. Some fans have speculated if Zayn’s Syrian descent kept him off the show, due to Saudi Arabia and Syria cutting off relations a number of years ago. Zayn has been outspoken in his charity work for the Syrian people, including a his starting a mobile clinic for the country.

ABC News reports that WWE issued a statement to The Wrestling Observer on Friday (April 27) after asking about Zayn’s absence for the event and opting to stay home. Per WWE’s statement, “WWE is committed to embracing individuals from all backgrounds while respecting local customs and cultural differences around the world.”

The Greatest Royal Rumble event was held yesterday at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. You can read 411’s live results and coverage of the event RIGHT HERE.