WWE News
Ariya Daivari issues statement after receiving death threats following Greatest Royal Rumble
Ariya Daivari put out a statement on Tuesday to remind fans that he was just playing a character during his segment at the Greatest Royal Rumble. He noted on Twitter that he put the statement out because he was receiving death threats. Apparently, there were people out there that were not happy after he walked out to the ring with the Iranian flag. The angle was meant to draw old school heat with the babyfaces (Saudi Arabia, in this case) getting over on the heels.
Daivari’s statement:
“During an appearance this past Friday, I portrayed a fictional character and played the role of the antagonist, no different than what other actors would do in a movie or TV show.
That character does not reflect my personal views and I apologize to anyone that may have been offended by the skit. I have an incredible amount of respect for the great people of Iran and I am very proud of my Iranian heritage.
Thank you.”
— Ariya Daivari (@AriyaDaivariWWE) May 1, 2018
He talked about the death threats in a follow-up tweet: “Unfortunately some people took offense to this despite it being pure entertainment. Some threats were made against my life. I wanted to put this statement out to clarify where I as a person stand compared to my t.v. character.”
Unfortunately some people took offense to this despite it being pure entertainment. Some threats were made against my life. I wanted to put this statement out to clarify where I as a person stand compared to my t.v. character. https://t.co/NJbnlMnn28
— Ariya Daivari (@AriyaDaivariWWE) May 1, 2018