Reason For Daniel Bryan Pulling Out Of Crown Jewel Revealed

Daniel Bryan will not be appearing at Crown Jewel on Friday after it was revealed that he refused to take part in the event several weeks ago.

It was thought that his refusal was heavily linked to the murder of New York Times journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul in early October, but it seems that this is not the case.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Bryan’s reluctance to compete in Saudi Arabia began in April at the Greatest Royal Rumble.

You will remember that Sami Zayn was banned from competing at the show due to his Syrian heritage, a decision which seemingly angered Bryan.

Furthermore, when learning about Saudi views on homosexuality, Bryan is said to have been equally angry.

Meltzer writes that Bryan was unaware that the entire show was basically a long propaganda advert for Saudi Arabia, again, something he took great exception to.

It appears the WWE and Vince McMahon were aware that Bryan was refusing to go some time ago, but that the decision was made to continue as if he was in an attempt to not give the game away to fans.

According to the Newsletter, Bryan had asked to lose his match with Miz at the Super Show-Down to avoid this situation, but this of course did not happen.

AJ Styles vs Daniel Bryan alternatives

Several ideas were pitched for ways that WWE could still hold the match, and they’re a bit bizarre. Meltzer writes:

“At one point the match was to be taped ahead of time and inserted into the show. At another point there was talk of doing it live.

“The ring at the technology center is filmed in a way to look like it’s in whatever building they need it to be in, similar to a green screen.

“The idea is if they did it live, they could make it appear to be taking place in Saudi Arabia, or it could just be an empty arena match.

“The plan was not to air it before the people in Saudi Arabia but for those watching on the WWE Network. The problem is that would have caused even more controversy after the fact.

“Trying to fool the viewing audience is something that would get out and cause controversy. An empty arena match with no fan reaction would also be very difficult in this day and age.”

I for one cannot wait for this whole show to be over and forgotten about.

 

• Crown Jewel
• saudi arabia
• Daniel Bryan
• wwe

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