Saudi Arabia sportswashes its way into WWE entertainment industry

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Mar 2023 23:58

Saudi Arabia plans a new pay-per-view WWE event in Jeddah, expanding its partnership with the wrestling entertainment show.

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Crown Jewel pay-per-view in Riyadh (AFP)

In cooperation with World Wrestling Entertainment, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority announced that another event will be held at Jeddah Superdome. The WWE King and Queen of the Ring event will take place on Saturday, May 27.

The first WWE event to ever be held in Saudi Arabia was the Royal Rumble back in 2018. Shortly after, both parties expanded their relationship with more events scheduled to take place in the KSA through 2027.

As their relationship broadened, there have been rumors saying that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was highly interested in buying Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment company.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon, is seeking a $9 billion sale with Saudi Arabia being a potential buyer.

Critics say all of this falls under the broad umbrella of Saudi Arabia's attempt to sportswash its war crimes committed in Yemen and other countries.

Similar actions were taken with Saudi Arabia's possible takeover of Italy's Serie A giant, Inter Milan. The Kingdom's Public Investment Fund is currently finalizing preparations for a deal to buy the Italian football club.

Similarly, investigations are ongoing in Premier League's Newcastle club into owners believed to be affiliated with Saudi Arabia.