Sami Zayn Opens Up on WWE Absence During COVID-19

Sami Zayn has revealed family circumstances led him to the 'extremely difficult' decision to take time off from WWE during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Zayn was absent from WWE television following WrestleMania 36, opting to protect himself and his family from coronavirus over continuing to attend television tapings. The Great Liberator returned at the end of August, having been stripped of the Intercontinental Championship during his time away. 

The 36 year-old has now opened up around making that challenging choice, pointing to the unknown qualities of coronavirus when the pandemic first hit as the reason he chose not to go in to work. 

Zayn also admitted it was tough for him to tell his boss, Vince McMahon, that he was choosing not to work during this time.

Speaking to SK Wrestling, Zayn said: "Now, we know so much more about COVID-19, we know so much more about the pandemic and everything. But at the time in March, there was a lot of uncertainty. We really didn't know what the deal was, and I had some family circumstances that, at the time, it made sense to not go in.

"Wrestlers are already hardwired not to say no, you give me a task and I'm gonna nail it, that sort of... there's a pride to the performer in that. So, anytime, you opt out of something, it's already difficult enough, and then on top of it, on the biggest stage imaginable.

"I mean, I would have trouble turning down independent bookings for 200 bucks, let alone, telling Vince McMahon, I can't come into work, it was extremely, extremely difficult for so many reasons."