WWE News: Finn Balor releases statement on not wearing rainbow gear at Greatest Royal Rumble

What's the story?

Saudi Arabia may be on the verge of becoming a more progressive and liberal country but they still have a long way to go when it comes to the treatment of women and people in the LGBT community. Many have assumed that this is why Finn Balor didn't wear his rainbow shirt, but he has released a statement addressing the matter.

In case you didn't know...

Finn Balor debuted a new rainbow coloured shirt at WrestleMania 34 when he made his entrance alongside dozens of members of New Orlean's LGBT community. It was a lovely gesture from Balor and a powerful statement in support of the community.

The heart of the matter

With WWE leaving its female wrestlers at home, as well as reports that Sami Zayn was kept home because he's Syrian and the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Syria is strained at the moment, there are many who thought that WWE would have prevented Balor from wearing his rainbow shirt.

However, Finn Balor has taken to Twitter to clarify that Saudi Arabia had nothing to do with him not wearing the rainbow shirt in his Intercontinental Title ladder match and that he simply wore the shirt for a special occasion and that was it.

My Rainbow Gear was a statement at Wrestlemania WeeekendAlthough the gear has not been worn since in 6 appearances(Hartford CT, Cape Town x2,Pretoria, Johannesburg ,St.Louise Saudi Arabia)My support continues despite any color choice, change or laundry schedule. #dirtypants

— Finn Bálor forEVERYone (@FinnBalor) April 28, 2018

What's next?

Balor's support of the LGBT community continues regardless of what he's wearing, as he stated above. However, the rainbow shirt 'Balor Club for Everyone' remains available for purchase on the WWE.Com store.

As for Balor himself, it seems he's set to feud with Seth Rollins for the Intercontinental Title after having the title stolen from right in front of him by Rollins at the Greatest Royal Rumble event.

Author's take

I get it everyone, Saudi Arabia do not treat gay people and women as equal members of the society and not everyone was fond of the WWE doing a show there, but as has been mentioned by several people the country is slowly changing. Let's remember that the UK and US were exactly the same less than 100 years ago, and give them time and just enjoy the show they put on for us.

---

Send us news tips at [email protected]