What’s the story?

The WWE has put forth a statement addressing Sami Zayn’s absence from WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble PPV.

Apparently, WWE noted that while the promotion welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, it respects cultural differences around the world.

In case you didn’t know…

It was on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, that Sami Zayn asserted he and Kevin Owens are set to compete in WWE’s 50-Man Royal Rumble Match which was scheduled for the Greatest Royal Rumble PPV.

Nevertheless, in a video segment put forth by WWE later on, Zayn was shown as suffering the aftermath of being beaten up by Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley—a subtle sign that Zayn may not be able to perform at WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble event.

The heart of the matter

One ought to note that Sami Zayn is a Syrian-Canadian WWE Superstar, and given the ongoing political conflict between Syria and Saudi Arabia, Zayn performing at a high-profile event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could’ve been received negatively in the latter country.

Saudi Arabia cut off its political ties with Syria back in 2012, whereas Zayn is actively known for his philanthropic work in Syria—what with him having established the “Sami for Syria” mobile clinic in Syria last year.

The WWE has now sent out an official statement, addressing the ongoing speculation surrounding Zayn’s absence from the Greatest Royal Rumble PPV—

"WWE is committed to embracing individuals from all backgrounds while respecting local customs and cultural differences around the world."

What’s next?

Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens are set to be prominently featured in key WWE storylines in the weeks to come on RAW.

Author’s take

Honestly speaking, it’s great to see the WWE being cautious when it comes to the safety of its talent.

Considering Sami Zayn’s connections with Syria and the political situation between Syria & Saudi Arabia, it only makes sense to look out for Zayn’s well-being and the overall decorum of WWE’s event in Saudi Arabia.