Why Is Sami Zayn Banned from Saudi Arabia? Controversy Explained

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: )

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.