From what I've heard, Ubisoft wanted Rayman in Smash and Sakurai didn't think he fit.
I could easily see him changing his mind and could just as easily see him not.
If that's actually something that occurred then I really don't understand how Sakurai comes to some of these conclusions when it comes to who would fit and who wouldn't...
I mean, Smash a series that lets the player fight as a black stick figure from an ancient line of (relatively) obscure primitive handheld devices from the second generation...
It also "stars"a yoga mannequin from a blue ocean casual-centric non-combat oriented fitness series as a playable fighter...
How wouldn't a fantasy platform character who can shoot his fist, shrink himself, fly with his hair, and fire energy beams not fit in Smash?
I mean...as an artist I think it's bunk to assert that he wouldn't work aesthetically next to Super Mario, Pikachu, Toon Link or Sonic...and as a creative person who's a fan of the Rayman series I'd imagine it wouldn't be too hard to come up with a unique and engaging moveset for him.
![Stick out tongue :p :p](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)