As previously reported, WWE 205 Live superstar Ariya Daivari allegedly received death threats following his performance in the Greatest Royal Rumble, where he portrayed an anti-Saudi character who came to the ring waiving an Iranian flag, proclaiming that his country was the greatest nation in the Middle East.

In an update to the situation, Ariya has publicly apologized to any fans that were offended by the segment, despite the fact that his over-the-top character for the night was not unlike dozens of other nationalistic characters that have appeared on WWE programming for decades.

“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 a 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.”

Saudi wrestler Mansoor Al-Shehaail, one of the WWE prospects that was actually in the ring with Ariya and his brother during the segment, commented on the situation via Twitter calling Daivari “an absolute class act.”

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— Ariya Daivari (@AriyaDaivariWWE) May 1, 2018

Ariya is an absolute class act and it was a pleasure to meet and work with him. I owe him and his brother so much. Please remember all performers are human beings first. Adults should be able to separate reality and fiction. https://t.co/sl9itl9cJz

— Mansoor Al-Shehail (منصور الشهيل) (@MannyFaberino) May 1, 2018