If you’re a fan of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), then you know they just finished up their Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia. The company has an 8-year deal with the country to hold two live events each year. While this deal is profitable for both sides, it’s not without regular controversy. This time around, there was plenty of chaos for everyone.
First, the controversy. Many WWE fans know the company prides itself on its women’s division. They changed the division from bra and panties matches and DIVA championships to really allowing the women to change the industry. They became just as important as the men to their shows. This might be why many of the wrestlers hate wrestling in Saudi Arabia.
The country, for the most part, has banned women wrestlers from their country. Saudi Arabia is a highly conservative country compared to U.S. standards. At this particular show, history was made and a single women’s match was allowed. Yet, that’s not where the controversy ends. The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, didn’t pay the WWE for their broadcast.
The country owed the WWE $60 million according to reports. The WWE decided to yank the show right in the middle of the broadcast. To retaliate, Salman detained 175 wrestlers set to fly home for a live Smackdown show the next night. The WWE had to scramble to find extra talent for their live event.
WWE Inks New Deal with Saudi Arabia
After the delay, WWE’s stock was hit with a 5% loss. The trouble with Saudi Arabia wasn’t a good look for investors. It wasn’t long afterward that the payment was made and the two sides came to a new agreement. The country will see new live events, effectively expanding their original agreement. This sent WWE’s stock jumping 6.3%.
It now seems as if we will see the WWE competing in Saudi Arabia for many more years to come. Hopefully they will continue to turn a corner and allow more women’s matches.
