3 WWE stars who were banned from entering Saudi Arabia for weird reasons

WWE's partnership with Saudi Arabia is one that many professionals and fans have different opinions about. Since 2018, the Stamford-based promotion has held special events in the country. While some superstars decided to go, some opted against it, and some were banned.

On this list, we are going to look at some of the WWE Superstars who were not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for an array of reasons.

These wrestlers angered WWE management! Check what happened next

#3. Malakai Black (fka Aleister Black in WWE)

After WWE signed the 10-year partnership with Saudi Arabia, they introduced multiple premium live events in the country. Aside from the well-known Crown Jewel, they also held two Super Showdown shows. In 2019, it was headlined by The Undertaker and Goldberg, and the following year saw Goldberg and once again Bray Wyatt. One star who wasn't present for either card was Malakai Black.

As previously reported, the former Aleister Black was pulled from the show due to his back tattoo since it has religious connections. And it was revealed by the wrestler the art on his back represents Lilith, a known female demonic figure.

#2. MVP

In 2022, the Stamford-based promotion held its fourth Crown Jewel event. One of the matches for the show was between Braun Strowman and Omos. However, MVP wasn't present despite being The Nigerian Giant's manager. This is due to his religion.

For those unaware, MVP is a Muslim turned Atheist, which is a punishable offence in Saudi Arabia. As per Fightful Select, this was the main reason why the veteran didn't travel to Saudi Arabia.

#1. Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn's issues with Saudi Arabia are one that many fans are aware of. Since WWE's partnership with Saudi Arabia in 2018, Zayn was never present for any of its premium live events. His absence from the country is due to his heritage.

Sami Zayn was born in Canada to Syrian parents, making him of Syrian descent. Due to the conflicts between both countries, the current Undisputed Tag Team Champion didn't appear in the events held in the country. However, now that Saudi Arabia resumed their diplomatic relations, Zayn is slated to perform at the upcoming Night of Champions event in Jeddah.

About the author

Hazel is a WWE features writer for Sportskeeda Wrestling. Currently a BS Psychology student in her third year, she ensures that multiple accurate and reliable sources back every piece of information in her articles. She phrases even mundane information in her own words, especially when using single sources like books or social media posts, to add a hint of personal touch.

Hazel has had a penchant for writing since high school. Apart from pursuing Humanities and Social Sciences for her senior year, she attended classes about creative and nonfiction writing. In 2019, Hazel started working as a ghostwriter, and three years later, she began working for Sportskeeda. In 2023, she became a published author under 8letters Books Publishing House. Even today, when she is not studying as a pre-med student or writing for Sportskeeda, she enjoys reading and writing novels.

Her favorite wrestlers are Edge and Randy Orton. She recalls watching John Cena vs Big Show vs Edge in WrestleMania 25 in her first wrestling match. Hazel enjoyed the entrances, and what got her hooked was how cool and ruthless Edge was and how John Cena never backed down from his challenges.

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Edited by UJALA