10 Cringeworthy Moments From WWE Greatest Royal Rumble

7. Bálor Club Loses Its Rainbow

Jinder Mahal Jeff Hardy botch
WWE.com

Along with its commitment to the Women's Evolution, WWE has helped to further the diversity cause in recent months via the Finn Bálor character and his support of the LGBTQ community. Balor's recent merchandise is rainbow-coloured and bears the slogan "Bálor Club For Everyone", with a portion of sales donated to LGBTQ organisation GLAAD. At WrestleMania, Bálor entered the arena accompanied by representatives from the LGBTQ community in New Orleans.

It was perhaps unsurprising to see this side of the Bálor character absent from his appearance at Greatest Royal Rumble. Saudi Arabia has one of the worst LGBTQ rights records in the world, with a history of punishing acts considered to be indecent with prison terms, fines, flogging, and even death.

Given the need for WWE to accommodate the values of Saudi Arabia when performing a show there, there was no way that Bálor could communicate his support for the LGBTQ community at the event. However, the "Bálor Club For Everyone" message has been a key part of the character in recent weeks and, as a result, it was a shame to see it absent at such a big pay-per-view.

 
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Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.