If you wondered why Sami Zayn wasn't included in a 50-Man Royal Rumble that featured a sumo wrestler you'll likely never see again, he probably is, too.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the status of Sami Zayn was kept really quiet leading up to the event. However, Zayn himself was informed about a week ahead of the show that he'd be participating in an injury angle to explain his absence from the Greatest Royal Rumble. The Observer also states that Zayn says he wasn't given a reason he wasn't included in the event.
WWE announcers were also reportedly instructed to not bring up the issue until after the show in an effort to avoid controversy if possible. The company was already facing substantial heat for the fact that their female competitors couldn't appear on the show, despite being an integral part of their weekly program.
When pressed on the issue of exclusion, Fightful.com was issued the following statement last week ahead of the Greatest Royal Rumble:
"WWE is committed to embracing individuals from all backgrounds while respecting local customs and cultural differences around the world."
It's worth noting that Zayn has wrestled in Saudi Arabia before.
You can see a profile feature on Sami Zayn from Fightful's Rob Furness at this link.
