A war of words has erupted between WWE superstar Sami Zayn and renowned retired WCW, TNA ring announcer David Penzer on X.
Seemingly based on the news today that Israel launched attacks on Iran’s nuclear program and military commanders, Zayn posted a simple and direct response: “WAR PIGS”.
WAR PIGS
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) June 13, 2025
In response, Penzer, fired back: “You know what, I have spent years avoiding confrontation on this platform. God forbid I lose some followers, I’m just an old wrestling ring announcer who lived his dream. The line has been drawn. Sami, kiss my ass on your ongoing anti semitic posts. From the River to the Sea kills my people. I don’t want your people killed. Sorry if I don’t sell some books but there comes a time when you have to stand up and be a man and Sami you are an anti semite and I’m calling it out now and will keep calling it out.”
Disco Inferno (Glenn Gilbertti) replied: “The lyrics to “War Pigs” are not anti semitic, but they are appropriate in describing what is happening.”
The lyrics to “War Pigs” are not anti semitic, but they are appropriate in describing what is happening.
— Glenn Gilbertti (@TheRealDisco) June 13, 2025
Penzer stated that he didn’t want war but Iran cannot be permitted to have nuclear weapons.
Disco agreed but argued what Zayn posted wasn’t antisemitic.
Penzer replied: “It’s not the first time he wink wink went there. He did it on National TV and I let it go so I didn’t pick a fight with a superstar. No more. My religion is under siege and it’s time for me to be a man and take a stand.”
It’s not the first time he 😏😏😏 wink wink went there. He did it on National TV and I let it go so I didn’t pick a fight with a superstar. No more. My religion is under siege and it’s time for me to be a man and take a stand.
— David Penzer (@davidpenzer) June 13, 2025
Despite some criticism he received, Penzer was unapologetic:
Yes I said it. @SamiZayn is an antisemitic ass…
Prove me wrong.
Hate that it’s come to this but I can’t stay quiet any longer to keep some followers and sell some books… https://t.co/TZtTxyt0Vv
— David Penzer (@davidpenzer) June 13, 2025
Penzer is correct in the sense that Zayn has been public with his personal opinions concerning the on-going crisis in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine. On a recent episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Zayn and CM Punk wore gear that represented the colors of the Palestine flag.
This isn’t the first time Zayn has faced criticism for expressing his personal thoughts either.
The Times of Israel, other media outlets and some Jewish wrestling fans have criticized Zayn for some of those posts and the WWE as they feel the company should be reprimanding, sanctioning him.
Oren Treitman, a Hebrew-language wrestling podcast host told The Times of Israel recently:
“As a wrestler, we think he’s one of the best. He’s charismatic, he’s very lovable. As a professional, he’s probably one of the best wrestlers on the planet…When it comes to involving his personal opinions into the product, that’s where we draw the line. When Sami started doing all this stuff I was really annoyed, and mostly just disappointed in the WWE for letting this happen.”
Zayn has also used his fame as a pro wrestler and his social media platforms to support hunger relief efforts in Gaza, in addition to founding a charity for Syrian aid. He’s also shared a message of empathy for Gazan children from YouTube personality Ms. Rachel, and posted the phrase ‘One day everyone will have always been against this’, which is a nod to journalist Omar El Akkad’s recent book criticizing the Gaza war.
The WWE has not responded publicly to the controversy.
