Sami Zayn reveals pride in shifting perceptions of Muslims and calls Saudi Arabia event ‘special’

Because of strained relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia, Sami Zayn had not performed for WWE since their lucrative trips to the latter began in 2018.

WWE will earn $1 billion dollars from the gulf state by 2028 for putting on two shows a year in the country and those events have been seen a major money-makers for the talent involves, especially in an age where the old pay-per-view revenue system has drastically reduced in the face of on-demand streaming services, WWE Network included.

But Zayn, who grew up a Muslim and is of Syrian descent, did not work those shows. In May of this year, tensions eased between the two nations as they restored diplomatic ties, paving the way for Zayn to work in the country for Night of Champions at the end of that month.

Zayn, along with his tag team partner Kevin Owens, who had sat out several Saudi shows in solidarity for his friend, went on to have a legendary main event against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.

But before the match even begun, Zayn was able to address the Saudi fans in their local language, setting the arena on fire in Jeddah to create a magical moment.

The pair were crowned champions after defeating the Usos at night one of Wrestlemania 39

Speaking to MailSport, Zayn explained how it was important for him to change perceptions of Muslim and Arab people we see on TV each week and Night of Champions was a major step for him in that regard.

‘That was a pretty big deal for me for a number of reasons,’ Zayn revealed. ‘That whole trip was really, really, really remarkable.

‘I guess on some level, even as a child, being an Arab/Muslim growing up, I’ve never really seen a positive representation of that in media or whatever, right? I always just assumed if I ever got to WWE I’d have to play a terrorist or something like that! [laughs]. I don’t know if you can use that, but you know what I’m saying [laughing continues]. But that was the perception and that was the portrayal of Muslims on TV, never mind in WWE, just in media,’ Zayn explained.

‘So it was always sort of a thing in the back of my head like “man, I’d love to change that one day. So to be able to really embrace that and know a major premium live event like that was coming and it wasn’t just like…. those early WWE Saudi shows felt not WWE-ish.

Zayn has played a prominent role in the ultra-popular Bloodline storyline in recent months

‘They felt like a WWE show taking place somewhere else and we happen to be able to watch it. But now, that was just a seamless part of the show. A progression in the story with the bloodline and it just so happens to be in Saudi Arabia.

‘So for that to converge with that wonderful story that I’ve been lucky to be a part of for the past year and it converge with me being able to come before my people – or whatever you want to call it – to be there and to have that kind of return under those circumstances was very, very special,’ Zayn beamed.

While the Gulf state is seemingly taking over multiple sports amid claims of sports washing, sports entertainment is a part of their vision, too. WWE is set to return to Saudi Arabia once more in early November.

Watch WWE Money in the Bank at The O2 in London LIVE on the WWE Network at 8pm BST