Entertainment
Why Is Sami Zayn Banned from Saudi Arabia? Controversy Explained
Sami Zayn does not participate because of his religion, ethnicity, and beliefs against Saudi Arabia’s regime.
Sami Zayn is one of the prominent wrestlers in today’s generation. He is presently contracted to WWE, where he competes on the SmackDown brand.
Prior to joining WWE, Sebei competed for Ring of Honor under the ring name El Generico, portraying a Mexican luchador with the catchphrase “Olé!” From his debut in 2002 until 2013, he wrestled while masked.
He began performing without a mask after signing with WWE, eventually capturing the NXT Championship while in WWE’s developmental brand NXT and becoming a three-time Intercontinental Champion after being promoted to the main roster.
His fan popularity skyrocketed in 2022 because of his critically lauded work with The Bloodline. Despite being one of the beloved wrestlers in WWE, Zayn has not participated in any of the competitions held in Saudi Arabia.
This has led many to believe that he is banned from the country and ask — “why is Sami Zayn not allowed in Saudi Arabia?” Here is everything we know about it.
Why is Sami Zayn banned from Saudi Arabia?
Following Vince McMahon’s return to the board of directors as Executive Chairman, WWE was shaken by reports of an impending sale. Initially, companies like NBC, Disney, and Liberty Media surfaced as prospective owners.
But later, Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund rose to the top of the rumor mill. This sparked some concerns about specific wrestlers quitting WWE if the purchase went through, including Zyan.
Sami Zayn strongly supports the Syrian people and their rights. (Source: Twitter)
Zayn is not exactly banned from the country. However, he does not participate because of his religion, ethnicity, and beliefs against Saudi Arabia’s regime.
Zayn was born in Canada, making his nationality Canadian. However, his parents are Syrian immigrants who left the country in the 1970s and relocated to Canada.
As a result, Zayn is of Syrian ethnicity, and his religion is Muslim. He has always spoken in support of the Muslims and Syrian people who have been affected by the war.
Because of his Syrian ethnicity, Zayn has never wrestled in WWE events in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s government has been involved in Syria’s long-running civil conflict.
Saudi Arabia’s leaders most likely regard him as a problematic individual who does not share their principles and goals. In the case of Saudi Arabia’s purchase of WWE, especially if the state takes the firm private and exercises ultimate control over its activities, the two parties are unlikely to cohabit.
There are chances that, along with Zayn, his friend Kevin Owens would also depart from WWE. The two have been inseparable for most of their careers, which is why many fans feel Owens would follow Zayn out the door if Saudi Arabia took over.
Rumors debunked
WWE chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque allegedly addressed reports of the business being sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund at a talent meeting with WWE Raw superstars on January 15, 2023.
Triple H conducted the meeting with veteran producer Kevin Dunn and WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Dan Ventrelle, where they debunked the rumors.
According to combat sports specialist Ariel Helwani, WWE did not agree to sell to Saudi Arabia or any other organization and was “still evaluating all alternatives.”
During the talent meeting, it was also reiterated that Triple H is “firmly in control of creative, and that talent relations are not changing.”
How old is Sami Zayn? His height, weight, and net worth
Zayn was born on July 12, 1984, in Laval, Canada. At the time of writing, his age is 38.
It is reported that his billed weight is 212lb or 96 kg. Similarly, his billed height is 6 ft 1 inch or 185 cm.
The net worth of Zayn is reported to be more than $2 million. He earns more than $200,000 per year, excluding Pay-Per-View profits, while he used to make more than $500,000 yearly.
He joined WWE in 2015, and his salary has fluctuated throughout the years. In 2018, it was reported that his salary was more than $500,000 per year.
The wrestler also makes money through his merchandise and YouTube page, where he routinely posts videos. He has endorsed products like WWE Shop, WWE 2K games, and others, which fueled his net worth.
Entertainment
Find Out in Detail about ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Cast Members and Their Net Worth
Get to know the ‘Alaskan Bush People’ cast members.
Alaskan Bush People is a docudrama-style reality television series based in Alaska. It follows the Brown family as they strive to survive in the woods while cut off from modern society.
It has been a long-running reality TV series, spanning multiple seasons with varying episode counts.
The show premiered its first season with 5 episodes from May 6, 2014, to June 15, 2014.
Subsequently, it continued to captivate audiences season after season, with season 14, the most recent one, comprising 11 episodes that aired from October 2, 2022, to December 5, 2022.
Throughout its history, the series has offered viewers a glimpse into the challenging and adventurous lifestyle of the Brown family as they navigate the Alaskan wilderness.
Alaskan Bush People has a 6.0 rating out of 10 on IMDb.
Know ‘Alaskan Bush People’ more closely
With the show’s widespread popularity, fans want to find out more about the cast members in depth.
So, let’s proceed and explore further details about them.
Billy Brown
Billy Brown, the star of the reality show Alaskan Bush People, died in February 2021 at the age of 68 after suffering a fatal seizure while on top of North Star Ranch.
He had already been in and out of the hospital for several years due to heart difficulties.
Billy Brown in the frame (Source: Deadline)
The physicians even warned Billy not to stay at such a high altitude because it was harmful to his health. Despite the advice, he preferred to enjoy his life in the mountains with his family.
Billy’s net worth was $6 million before his death in February 2021.
Ami Brown
Ami Brown is a reality television star who was born on August 28, 1963, in Texas, USA.
She was formerly married to Billy. Ami married at the age of 15, and her husband, Billy, was 26 at the time.
Ami was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, an advanced condition with the potential to metastasize throughout her body.
Despite the largely discouraging prognoses, Ami remained resolute in her determination to battle the illness, regardless of the potential outcomes.
Ami Brown in the hospital (Source: Distractify)
She has miraculously survived cancer and is now focused on moving on with her life in the absence of Billy. Fans claimed on social media in March 2021 Ami was faking her cancer diagnosis for TV show ratings.
To put an end to the suspicions, Ami’s doctors confirmed her diagnosis and treatments in a statement to People.
Her plans for the future include building a new barn for her animals and expanding the size of her ranch.
She has managed to amass an impressive net worth of 12 million dollars throughout her career.
Matthew Brown
Matthew Brown, commonly known as Matt Brown, was born on September 7, 1983, in Texas. As the eldest son of the renowned Brown family, he carries a significant role within their adventurous clan.
Remarkably, Matt was just three years old when his parents embarked on an unforgettable journey, leaving behind the Lone Star State to set sail for the wilds of Alaska.
Since then, he has grown into a man of diverse experiences and is an integral part of the fascinating Brown family saga.
Despite the show’s excellent reviews and popularity, Matt hasn’t appeared on it in a while.
Matt was estranged from his parents due to substance abuse. In 2016, he attended rehab for alcoholism for the first time.
He stated, “I could see myself spiraling.” He also added, “I was more withdrawn. I was slower. Things didn’t excite me the way they used to.”
After 35 days in an inpatient treatment facility, Matt changed his “weakness into a strength.” He adds, “Not everyone makes it back, and I’m grateful to be one of those who did.”
When his brother Bear was asked about him, he replied, “Matt’s been doing his own thing.”
He also added, “I don’t really see him much these days. I hope he finds the peace and serenity he seeks in his life.”
Matt’s net worth is reportedly around 1 million dollars, according to various sources. However, it’s crucial to verify this estimate for accuracy and reliability.
Gabriel Brown
Gabriel Starbuck Brown, born on December 15, 1989, in Alaska, is affectionately known as Gabe. In 2019, he tied the knot with Raquell Rose and welcomed their first child in 2020, followed by a second in 2021.
Beyond his reality TV fame, Gabe has cultivated a unique social media presence, often sporting eyeliner as a form of self-expression, artistic exploration, or dealing with grief.
Furthermore, he receives mixed reactions from fans and family, but he remains true to himself and does what makes him happy.
Recently, Gabe posted his smiling picture with the caption, “Happy is my default, doesn’t mater if the sky’s falling I’m’a be smiling regardless.”
He also added, “There’s always something to be grateful for. God bless y’all.”
As of 2023, Gabe’s estimated net worth stands at $700,000.
Bear Brown
Bear Brown, originally named Solomon Isaiah Freedom Brown, was born on June 10, 1987, in Alaska, USA, as the third child of Billy and Ami.
He is the first child in the family to be born and raised in Alaska, where he acquired vital survival skills such as hunting, fishing, shelter-building, and adapting to rugged conditions.
Bear was called the King of Extreme due to his love of adventure and extreme sports.
He obtained his education alongside his brothers through homeschooling, with literature and nature serving as his major teachers.
Bear Brown, celebrating his mother’s 60th birthday with his family (Source: Instagram)
Furthermore, he never went to a regular school or college and instead learned through parental supervision and his natural interest.
Bear’s interests also included reading comic books and viewing movies on a generator-powered TV, where he dreamed of being a superhero or a movie star.
As of 2023, Bear’s estimated net worth is approximately $200,000.
Noah Brown
Noah Darkcloud Brown, born on July 18, 1992, in Alaska’s rough landscape, developed an early interest in all things mechanical.
Unlike his more outspoken siblings, Noah’s introverted personality drew him to books, where he found sanctuary.
Beyond his role as a cast member on Alaskan Bush People, Noah has worked on diverse television projects, showcasing his talents as an actor, writer, and costume designer.
He notably portrayed Orlando’s Son Vincent in a 2018 episode of The Family Business and contributed as both an actor and costume designer in a 2004 episode of Krui-TV.
Furthermore, he exhibited his creative prowess by writing and playing Detective O’Neil, Hacker, in four episodes of No Shame TV from 2012 to 2013.
Noah Brown’s anticipated net worth in 2023 is $300,000.
Joshua Brown
Joshua Bam Bam Brown, born on September 18, 1984, in Alaska, USA, is about to turn 39 on September 18, 2023.
As the second-oldest among seven siblings, he gained fame alongside his family while embarking on their off-the-grid wilderness journey. Standing at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.75 m), Joshua’s physical stature matches his adventurous spirit.
Joshua Brown posing for a picture (Source: IMDb)
Furthermore, he’s undergone a notable transformation by becoming more active on his Instagram account, sharing glimpses of his life with fans.
This shift from his private nature suggests a newfound connection with his audience.
With an estimated net worth of $600,000, Joshua continues to make his mark in both the wild and the digital world.
Bird Brown
Amora Jean Snowbird Brown, also known as Birdy, was born on November 18, 1994, in Alaska’s landscape.
This nature-lover is 28 years old in 2023 and now dwells at North Star Ranch in Tonasket, Washington. Her undying passion for animals and profound connection to nature characterize her essence.
Bird stands 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs 50 kilograms (110 pounds).
Following the debut of Season 14 of the reality series Alaskan Bush People, Birdy underwent a surgical procedure to eliminate an 8-pound tumor located on her ovary.
Later, she reported a complete recovery from the surgery, enabling her to return to her usual routines, including tasks like lifting hay and carrying out household chores.
She also expressed her ability to participate in workouts and regain a sense of her usual self.
Currently, she has reunited with her family at North Star Ranch in Tonasket, Washington, and has resumed her role on the television program.
Her net worth as a reality TV personality is believed to be $100,000.
Rain Brown
Rain is an inspiring writer and television personality from the United States. She was born on November 23, 2002, in Hoonah, Alaska, United States.
Rain first appeared on television when she was about 11 years old. She is most known for appearing alongside her family in Alaskan Bush People, a Discovery Channel reality-documentary series.
Rain Brown with her mother (Source: Instagram)
She is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs 110 pounds (50 kg) despite her height.
Her well-balanced physique is complemented by dark brown hair that cascades gently, and she has piercing gray eyes.
Rain received most of her education through homeschooling during her early years, although she briefly experienced traditional public schooling.
She is currently studying business administration and aims to apply what she learns to her environmental activities.
On June 19, 2023, Rain shared a heartfelt Instagram video featuring various photos of herself and her father, expressing her deep affection with the caption,
“Happys das day to the worlds most incredible da you gave me the most amazing eighteen years, you were a teacher, a confidant a lover a preacher, and most of all a giver.”
She also added, “Fly high in the place made only for the greats. And a very happy das day to all you incredible das out there ♥️”
She has an estimated net worth of $200k, and her main source of income on Alaskan Bush People is from $40,000 to $60,000 per episode.
Asa Siegel
Asa Siegel is well-known for his roles in films and television shows such as Max Payne 3 in 2012, Sexchange in 2003, and the popular reality series Alaskan Bush People.
Asa plays a significant role as the narrator of the show, adding depth and perspective to the unique experiences of the Brown family in the Alaskan wilderness.
Despite their contributions to these projects, there is limited public information available about Asa.
Entertainment
Discover the Authenticity of ‘Man vs. Wild’ – Scripted or Real?
Man vs. Wild revolves around the theme of wilderness survival.
Man vs. Wild, also known as Born Survivor: Bear Grylls, is a long-running survival television series hosted by Bear Grylls.
Man vs. Wild premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2006 and later became accessible on Netflix. The show follows host Grylls as he embarks on daring expeditions to some of the harshest and most remote locations, showcasing his survival abilities.
Throughout the years of its airing, the show has faced various controversies that have cast doubt on its authenticity.
Fans assume the ‘Man vs. Wild’ show is fake
Man vs. Wild is not entirely scripted or fake. The show’s locations and situations are authentic, with Grylls genuinely camping out in these locations over several days. Nonetheless, some scenes are scripted to amplify the entertainment factor.
In one of the episodes, there was a scene where Grylls seemingly leaped over what appeared to be overflowing lava, but in reality, it was a staged setup involving hot coals and the use of a smoke machine for dramatic effect.
Similarly, in another episode, the host appeared to skillfully catch a wild Mustang, but the reality was that the horse had been rented from a nearby animal lodge, highlighting the use of controlled elements to enhance the show’s storytelling.
Moreover, some of the survival techniques used by the show’s host have come under scrutiny, notably by Les Stroud from Survivorman.
Bear Grylls is accompanied by a dedicated crew while filming ‘Man vs. Wild.’ (Source: Reddit)
For instance, in one episode, Grylls attempted to extract water from elephant dung to quench his thirst, a method that’s often ineffective without prior soaking. Critics argue that such inaccuracies can mislead viewers.
Additionally, Grylls has been seen rushing through hazardous terrain, which experts deem risky in actual survival situations. These concerns highlight questions about the show’s practicality and safety.
Furthermore, the most fake part of the show is that Grylls has a whole team with him. On TV, it looks like he’s all on his own, surviving with just his skills and strength. But in reality, the crew helps him film the show and even builds things like rafts and shelters.
In the Mount Kīlauea episode, the show’s crew openly admitted that the horses Grylls called wild were animals that had been trained and were not truly wild.
In response to the revelations, Discovery released a statement where they acknowledged that they had discovered certain parts of the show weren’t entirely natural and were staged for health and safety reasons. They also mentioned that both the crew and the host received help in challenging situations.
To address this, Discovery pledged to be completely transparent in the future. They promised to explain all aspects of the show’s production to viewers upfront.
Moreover, Discovery expressed their admiration for Grylls, recognizing him as a world-class adventurer and an exceptional talent despite the revelations surrounding the show’s production methods.
Explore ‘Man vs. Wild’ behind-the-scenes
While it’s true that some aspects of Man vs. Wild behind the scenes might not reflect the absolute reality, the process of filming such a show is far from simple.
Each episode of the show requires a substantial time commitment, typically spanning between 7 and 10 days for the entire shoot.
Before commencing filming, the show’s dedicated crew invests about a week in meticulous preparation, which includes scouting the chosen location and ensuring that all equipment undergoes a thorough series of checks to guarantee safety and functionality throughout the adventure.
Bear Grylls encountered challenges during the filming of ‘Man vs. Wild.’ (Source: Looper)
For every episode of the show, Grylls dedicates approximately two days to rigorous survival briefings and training. During this period, external experts play a pivotal role, as their knowledge of the terrain surpasses that of the production crew.
Likewise, Grylls might not be in immediate danger during the filming of Man vs. Wild, but throughout his extensive career in survival and adventure, he has found himself in extraordinarily perilous life-and-death situations.
In one episode, Grylls jumped out of a plane, but his parachute failed to open properly at an alarming 16,000-foot altitude. He then plummeted to the ground, sustaining major injuries.
Looking back on the incident, he revealed in a 2007 interview with The Daily Mail, “I should have quickly switched to the reserve parachute, but I thought I could fix the main one in time.”
He added, “The doctor called me a miracle man because I narrowly avoided a severe spinal injury. Due to my age and fitness, they decided I didn’t need surgery.”
Bear Grylls has eaten various unusual items during ‘Man vs. Wild.’ (Source: Outdoors)
Moreover, in the show, the host has eaten some really strange things, like camel fluids, yak eyeballs, bear poop, snakes, scorpions, feces, and even his urine. But the worst thing he says he’s ever eaten was a raw part of a goat.
In an interview with The Mirror in 2015, he admitted that these things taste awful, but he does them to push his limits and show that he can do things he wouldn’t in normal life. He also does it all with a purpose, which is to reunite with his family after each expedition.
Entertainment
Net Worth of ‘The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ Cast From Season 4
Millions and millions!
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, best known as RHOSLC, is an American reality television series that began on Bravo on November 11, 2020.
It aired three seasons as the tenth iteration of The Real Housewives franchise and focuses on the personal and professional lives of numerous women living in or around Salt Lake City, Utah. Currently, RHOSLC is in its fourth season.
The production of the Season 4 began in March 2023. However, it premiered on September 5, 2023.
Lisa Barlow, Heather Gay, Meredith Marks, Whitney Rose, Monica Garcia, and Angie Katsanevas are among the current fourth-season cast members, with former housewife Mary Cosby acting as a Friend of the Housewives.
Since the premiere of the show, people have been curious about the housewives and their lives. As a result, they often want to know the RHOSLC season 4 cast net worth.
Here is all we know about the cast of RHOSLC, their net worth, along with their biography, profession, and personal life.
Lisa Barlow
Barlow was born and raised in New York City. She became a Mormon in New York and believes it to be one of the best decisions she has ever made.
According to Barlow, being a Mormon is all about having a more aware sense of self, and she believes in inclusivity and not judging others. As a result, she no longer adheres to all of the Mormon practices she formerly did.
After graduation, the New York native relocated to the Salt Lake area, claiming she fell in love with the area. She has since concentrated on making her aspirations a reality.
For over two decades, Barlow has resided in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, John, and their two children, Jack and Henry. While she is best known as the cast of RHOSLC, she is a well-established businesswoman with a massive net worth.
Barlow owns many businesses, including the marketing agency LUXE and the tequila brand VIDA Tequila. She is also the owner of Fresh Wolf, a men’s grooming business, and Tequila Ciudad.
She is a self-made millionaire. It is reported that her net worth is estimated to be $5 million.
Heather Gay
Gay is a businesswoman, author, and television personality from the United States. Gay was born on June 29, 1974, in Carmel, California, to John and Susan Deans.
She was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gay rose to prominence during the first season of the Bravo reality television series RHOSLC.
However, she has also appeared on other reality TV shows, like in the third season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Ultimate Girls Trip, alongside co-star and cousin Rose. Gay has been on talk shows such as The Wendy Williams Show, Sherri, and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, in addition to The Real Housewives franchise.
She appeared as a guest on Below Deck Adventure in late 2022. Talking about her personal life, Gay married Frank William “Billy” Gay III in July 2000 at the Laie Hawaii Temple.
Billy is the grandson of notable business leader Frank William and the nephew of LDS Church general authority and former CEO of Huntsman Gay Global Capital (HGGC), Robert.
After 11 years of marriage, the couple divorced, however, the divorce was not finalized until 2014. To some extent, Gay’s net worth comes from the alimony she received.
However, she has her own business — Beauty Lab + Laser. She and her business partner, Andrea Nord, launched the medical spa services firm in Murray, Utah, in 2017.
Gay has also written the New York Times Best Seller, Bad Mormon: A Memoir. She has an estimated net worth of $1.7 million.
Meredith Marks
Marks is a celebrity favorite and award-winning jewelry designer. Marks is a Chicago native who has always been interested in fashion.
As an undergraduate, she studied visual arts, worked as a model, and then attended graduate school at Northwestern University, where she earned two diplomas — her law degree, and an MM from the Kellogg Business School.
Marks became a wife and had children while working in real estate development and operating a health club. She was married to her husband, Seth, and has three children with him — Brooks, Reid, and Chloe.
In 2020, Marks separated from her husband. When she was working in real estate, she discovered her calling in jewelry creation.
She was lucky to be able to overcome these hurdles because she established her firm during the 2009 recession. Meredith started designing after studying at the GIA.
Now, she is a successful businesswoman who has created jewelry for celebrities with the likes of Rihanna, Courteney Cox, Tina Fey, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
According to SCMP, she has a net worth of $1 million.
Whitney Rose
Whitney Rose was born in Utah, United States, on September 30, 1986. She grew up in a Mormon environment in her hometown.
Steve Lesh, her father, is claimed to have suffered from addiction and substance misuse. Rose attended California’s St. Mary’s College, and she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2016.
Before getting her big break on RHOSLC, Rose worked at Nu Skin Enterprise. While working there, she met her present husband, Justine.
He was her boss, yet their love knew no bounds. They began dating while still working at Nu Enterprises and continued even after Rose left the company.
They married shortly after learning that Rose was pregnant. They’ve been married for a time and have two children, Brooks and Bobbie.
Before appearing on RHOSLC, Rose was a well-established entrepreneur. She is well-known for her popular cosmetics business, Iris+Beau, an all-natural skincare brand, which was founded in 2017.
Recently, the Iris+Beau was renamed to Wild Rose Beauty. Most of Rose’s net worth comes from her company and RHOSLC.
It is reported that she has a net worth of $3 million.
Monica Garcia
Not much is known about Garcia since she is one of the new cast members of RHOSLC.
According to her Bravo profile, Garcia is Portuguese-Colombian and has her own baby goods company. She is also an excommunicated ex-Mormon.
On RHOSLC, Garcia is navigating her life as a busy mum of four while also dealing with her volatile relationship with her mother. The RHOSLC newcomer owns a baby goods company.
Her love life looks to be tough right now since she is divorcing her spouse for the second time. She has also admitted to having an 18-month relationship with an unnamed individual in the supertease.
Her net worth has not been disclosed to date. However, it is estimated to be somewhere along the lines of $300,000 to $1 million.
Angie Katsanevas
Katsanevas is another new cast member who joined RHOSLC in the fourth season. Last season, she was defined as a business owner, wife, and mother by the reality network.
According to Distractify, Katsanevas has been a hairdresser since the age of 21. She presently operates Lunatic Fringe salon, which has nine locations in Utah, Idaho, and Ohio.
The salon provides a luxurious guest experience with multiple levels of talented stylists, according to its website. Katsanevas opened the first salon in Salt Lake City in 1999 with fellow stylist and husband Shawn Trujillo.
Katsanevas is still together with her husband, the the two share a daughter, Elektra, together.
Angie’s net worth is unknown at the moment, however, the US Sun believes it to be approximately $5 million.
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