10 Things That Made Us Proud To Be Wrestling Fans In 2018

9. Sami For Syria

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WWE's association with Susan G. Komen, portrayal of Dana Warrior (whose husband famously said 'queering doesn't make the world work' in a 2005 campus speech) as an LGBTQ icon, and gallingly transparent executives place an asterisk next to their own philanthropic endeavours, but many of their Superstars work hard for charitable causes without the baggage.

Though he isn't the only wrestler raising funds and awareness, Sami Zayn's contributions over the past few years have been outstanding. His Sami For Syria campaign raised over $100,000 for mobile aid clinics in the war-torn country last year. 2018 saw him continue down a similar path, working with the SAMS Foundation to accrue a further $50,000 for Syrian civilians, with the programme hitting just over $30,000 so far. Relieved tensions across the borders slowed things down from 1 September, but the fund continues to provide medical relief where most needed.

Zayn is a good egg. His kind work behind the scenes is one of many reasons to root for him when he returns from injury, and it's both sad and unsurprising that WWE have never actively supported his work on their colossal platform.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.