Several WWE performers are not expected to make the trip to Saudi Arabia in two weeks for the Super Showdown event in Jeddah.
It was first reported by Sean Ross Sapp at Fightful that Kevin Owens told WWE he did not want to perform at the event. On Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live, an angle was shot with Dolph Ziggler returning to set up a program with WWE champion Kofi Kingston at Super Showdown.
We have confirmed with multiple sources that Owens will not be on the show.
Additionally, we have been told that SmackDown tag champion Daniel Bryan, Sami Zayn, and Aleister Black will also not be taking part in the event. Specific reasons for their absences were not revealed. The news regarding Bryan was first reported by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio.
Zayn’s absence during last year’s Greatest Royal Rumble was explained with an angle that caused him to experience “vertigo”. When asked why Zayn was left off the card, WWE released a broad statement on the matter:
WWE is committed to embracing individuals from all backgrounds while respecting local customs and cultural differences around the world.
Bryan worked the Greatest Royal Rumble event last year but did not return in November for the Crown Jewel show in Riyadh.
