What Is the WWE Deal With Saudi Arabia?

The WWE Deal With Saudi Arabia

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has had a significant partnership with Saudi Arabia since 2018. This collaboration has resulted in several events taking place in the country, including the highly anticipated WWE Crown Jewel pay-per-view. The deal between the WWE and Saudi Arabia has sparked both excitement and controversy within the wrestling community.

The Origins of the Partnership

The partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia began with an event called the Greatest Royal Rumble, which took place in April 2018. This event marked a historic moment for WWE as it featured a 50-man Royal Rumble match, making it the largest Royal Rumble in history. The event received widespread attention due to its grand scale and the participation of many legendary wrestlers.

Following the success of the Greatest Royal Rumble, WWE continued to collaborate with Saudi Arabia by hosting more events in the country. These events included another edition of Crown Jewel, as well as Super ShowDown and Extreme Rules. These shows featured top WWE superstars competing in high-stakes matches.

The Controversy Surrounding the Deal

While the partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia has brought financial benefits to both parties, it has not been without controversy. Many critics have raised concerns about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, including their treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Some fans and wrestlers have expressed their discomfort with WWE’s decision to continue working with Saudi Arabia despite these concerns. This controversy reached its peak when several wrestlers decided not to participate in Crown Jewel due to political tensions between Saudi Arabia and other countries.

The Financial Impact

Despite the controversies surrounding this partnership, there is no denying that it has had a significant financial impact on both WWE and Saudi Arabia. The events hosted in Saudi Arabia have attracted large crowds and generated substantial revenue for the company.

Additionally, the partnership has allowed WWE to expand its global reach and tap into a new market. The shows in Saudi Arabia have been broadcasted worldwide, reaching millions of viewers who may not have been exposed to WWE previously.

The Future of the Partnership

As of now, it seems that WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia will continue in the foreseeable future. The company has signed a long-term deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority, which indicates their commitment to this collaboration.

However, it remains to be seen how WWE will navigate the ongoing controversy surrounding this deal. The company has faced criticism from fans, wrestlers, and even some sponsors for their association with Saudi Arabia. It is possible that WWE may face pressure to reconsider their relationship if these concerns persist.

Conclusion

The WWE deal with Saudi Arabia has undoubtedly been a significant development in professional wrestling. While it has brought financial benefits and expanded WWE’s global presence, it has also been mired in controversy and criticism due to human rights concerns. As fans and critics continue to voice their opinions, only time will tell how this partnership evolves in the future.