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'{{short description|Series of professional wrestling events in Saudi Arabia by American promotion WWE.}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}} {{Infobox professional wrestling event series |name = WWE in Saudi Arabia |image = [[File:WWE Logo.svg|125px]] [[File:Emblem of Saudi Arabia.svg|125px]] |image_size = WWE logo and Saudi Arabia emblem |caption = |alt = |othernames = |nicknames = |createdby = |promotions = [[WWE]] |brands = [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]]<br />[[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] |firstevent = April 2014 tour |lastevent = |gimmick = |featuredmatches = }} {{Professional wrestling sidebar}} [[WWE]], an American [[professional wrestling]] promotion based in [[Stamford, Connecticut]], United States, has been promoting events in [[Saudi Arabia]] since 2014. After initially holding non-televised [[house shows]], in 2018 WWE announced a 10-year strategic partnership with the [[Ministry of Sport (Saudi Arabia)|Ministry of Sport]] , which would include the hosting of [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) events in Saudi Arabia. WWE announced on November 4, 2019, that it had "expanded" its partnership with the [[General Authority for Entertainment (Saudi Arabia)|General Authority for Entertainment]] through 2027, under which it would hold two "large-scale events" in the country per-year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Currier |first1=Joseph |date=November 4, 2019 |title=WWE announces 'expanded' partnership with Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-announces-expanded-partnership-saudi-arabia-296556 |access-date=8 November 2019 |website=f4wonline.com}}</ref> These events have been held at venues in either the capital city of [[Riyadh]], or [[Jeddah]]. The first event in the agreement was [[Greatest Royal Rumble]]—a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] from WWE's annual [[Royal Rumble]] PPV—on April 27, 2018. In November of that year, WWE held a second PPV in Saudi Arabia, [[Crown Jewel (2018)|Crown Jewel]]. Beginning in 2019, WWE began to regularly hold two PPVs in Saudi Arabia per-year, with one [[Super ShowDown]] event in the first half of the year, and [[WWE Crown Jewel|Crown Jewel]] in late-October or early-November. Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and WWE's suspension of touring, Crown Jewel was not held in 2020, nor was Super ShowDown held in 2021. Crown Jewel would return in [[Crown Jewel (2021)|2021]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Nason |first=Josh |date=July 26, 2021 |title=WWE returning to Saudi Arabia on October 21 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]] |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-returning-saudi-arabia-october-21-348201 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727091708/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-returning-saudi-arabia-october-21-348201 |archivedate=July 27, 2021 |accessdate=September 3, 2021}}</ref> and Super ShowDown was replaced in 2022 by [[Elimination Chamber (2022)|Elimination Chamber]]—marking the first time that WWE had hosted one of its previously established PPV events in Saudi Arabia. The partnership has faced criticism over Saudi Arabia's [[Human rights in Saudi Arabia|poor human rights record]] (including its suppression of [[Women's rights in Saudi Arabia|women's]] and [[LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia|LGBT rights]]), the country's [[Sportswashing|use of sport to direct public attention from it]], as well as the [[Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi|2018 assassination]] of Saudi journalist [[Jamal Khashoggi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=WWE: End Your Partnership With Saudi Arabia! |work=[[Code Pink]] |url=https://www.codepink.org/wwe |access-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419002644/https://www.codepink.org/wwe |archive-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bixenspan |first1=David |date=November 1, 2018 |title=Why Is WWE Creating Propaganda for Saudi Arabia? |work=[[The Nation]] |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/wwe-saudi-arabia-wrestling-propaganda/ |access-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101201402/https://www.thenation.com/article/wwe-saudi-arabia-wrestling-propaganda/ |archive-date=November 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Martínez |first1=Sebastián |date=February 27, 2020 |title=Super ShowDown: los fans amenazan con darse de baja de WWE Network - Reacción de Bill Goldberg |language=es |work=[[Solowrestling.com]] |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/87827-wwe-super-showdown-los-fans-amenazan-con-darse-de-baja |access-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228112602/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/87827-wwe-super-showdown-los-fans-amenazan-con-darse-de-baja |archive-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref><ref name="WON2019">{{cite journal |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=March 5, 2020 |title=March 13, 2020 Observer Newsletter: 40th Annual Awards Issue |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/march-13-2020-observer-newsletter-40th-annual-awards-issue-305806 |journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |access-date=March 8, 2020}}</ref> Some WWE performers have declined to participate in the Saudi shows due to objections over the government's policies. Due to the aforementioned restrictions on women's rights, members of WWE's [[Women in WWE|women's division]] did not perform in the Saudi shows until [[Crown Jewel (2019)|Crown Jewel in 2019]], where [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]] and [[Lacey Evans]] participated in WWE's first women's match in the country. The ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'' gave the relationship between WWE and Saudi Arabia their annual "[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic|Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic]]" award in both 2018 and 2019, the first time in history it has been given twice to the same maneuver. WWE's Saudi shows also took the publication's "[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Major Wrestling Show|Worst Major Wrestling Show]]" for three consecutive years, including [[Crown Jewel (2018)|2018's Crown Jewel]], and the [[Super ShowDown (2019)|2019]] and [[Super ShowDown (2020)|2020]] Super ShowDown respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/chrisharrington/mookieghana-prowrestlingstatistics/wo_awards_history|title=Wrestling Observer Awards (WON) 1980 - 2018 (and runner-ups)|last=Harrington|first=Chris|access-date=March 28, 2019|work=indeedwrestling.com}}</ref><ref name="WON2020Awards">{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |title=March 1, 2021, Wrestling Observer Newsletter 2020 awards issue, Elimination Chamber |url=https://members.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/march-1-2021-observer-newsletter-2020-awards-issue-elimination-chamber |website=Figure4Weekly |publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |access-date=February 26, 2021 |ref=WON2020}}</ref> ==History== In December 2013, it was announced that WWE would begin holding shows in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite news |title=WWE Live Comes To Saudi Arabia |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2013/12-15-2013 |access-date=April 16, 2021 |work=[[WWE]] |date=December 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829182249/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2013/12-15-2013 |archive-date=August 29, 2017 |location=[[Saudi Arabia]]}}</ref> In April 2014, WWE held their first house shows in [[Riyadh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=WWE wrestlers in Saudi Arabia for live matches |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/sports/2014/04/17/WWE-wrestlers-in-Saudi-Arabia-for-live-matches |access-date=April 16, 2021 |work=[[Al Arabiya]] |date=April 17, 2014 |language=en}}</ref> These shows were three separate shows at the Green Halls Stadium.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/gallery/wwe-past-visits-to-saudi-arabia-photos|title=Photos: WWE's past visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> In October 2015, WWE did three house shows from [[Jeddah]], at the [[King Abdullah Sports City|King Abdullah Sports City Sports Hall]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/wwe-live-tour-middle-east/wwe-live-returns-to-saudi-arabia|title=WWE LIVE returns to Saudi Arabia|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/sports/2015/09/08/John-Cena-and-WWE-stars-return-to-Saudi-Arabia.html|title=John Cena and WWE stars return to Saudi Arabia|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=September 8, 2015|language=en|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> In November 2016, the WWE again returned to Green Halls Stadium in Riyadh, for two additional live events.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-live-events-riyadh-saudi-arabia-november-2016|title=WWE Live action returns to Riyadh this November|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> The 2016 events were exclusive to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown brand]].<ref name=pfdb1416>{{Cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/locations/kingdom-of-saudi-arabia/riyadh-province/riyadh/green-halls-stadium-3057.html|title=Green Halls Stadium, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.profightdb.com|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> In 2017, WWE launched a new Arabic-language television program, ''[[WWE Wal3ooha]]'', to target the [[MENA]] region (which includes Saudi Arabia).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Newbould |first1=Chris |date=May 2, 2017 |title=WWE Wal300ha: the long wait is over for wrestling fans in the Middle East |language=en |work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]] |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/television/wwe-wal300ha-the-long-wait-is-over-for-wrestling-fans-in-the-middle-east-1.64271 |access-date=January 15, 2021}}</ref> On March 5, 2018, WWE and the [[General Sports Authority|Saudi General Sports Authority]] advertised the [[Greatest Royal Rumble]], a live event to be held on April 27, 2018, at [[King Abdullah Sports City|King Abdullah International Stadium]], part of the King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=WWE news, rumors: 'Greatest Royal Rumble,' NXT injury, Jericho-NJPW done?|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-news-rumors-greatest-royal-rumble-nxt-injury-jericho-njpw-done/|author= Adam Silverstein|work=[[CBS Sports]]|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2018}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11279526/wwe-saudi-arabia-to-host-50-man-royal-rumble|title=WWE: Saudi Arabia to host 50-man Royal Rumble|author=Jefferson Lake|work=[[Sky Sports]]|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2018}}</ref> The event was the first in a 10-year strategic multi-platform partnership between WWE and the Saudi General Sports Authority in support of [[Saudi Vision 2030]], Saudi Arabia's social and economic reform program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/saudi-arabia-to-host-greatest-royal-rumble-april-2018|title=Saudi Arabia to host the Greatest Royal Rumble|work=[[WWE]]|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2018}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|title=National Transformation Program 2020|url=http://vision2030.gov.sa/sites/default/files/NTP_En.pdf}}</ref> WWE announced on November 4, 2019, that it had "expanded" its partnership with the [[General Entertainment Authority]] through 2027, under which it would hold two "large-scale events" in the country per-year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Currier |first1=Joseph |title=WWE announces 'expanded' partnership with Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-announces-expanded-partnership-saudi-arabia-296556 |website=f4wonline.com |date=November 4, 2019 |access-date=8 November 2019}}</ref> ==Controversies== ===Women's rights=== {{see also|Women in WWE}} WWE had been criticized for holding the events without female wrestlers, who were unable to perform in Saudi Arabia between 2014 and 2019 due to the [[Women's rights in Saudi Arabia|limited rights women have in Saudi Arabia]].<ref name="Independent"/> [[Triple H]], WWE's Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, responded to the criticism: "I understand that people are questioning it, but you have to understand that every culture is different and just because you don’t agree with a certain aspect of it, it doesn’t mean it’s not a relevant culture...You can’t dictate to a country or a religion about how they handle things but, having said that, WWE is at the forefront of a women’s evolution in the world and what you can’t do is effect change anywhere by staying away from it....While women are not competing in the event, we have had discussions about that and hope that, in the next few years they will be".<ref name="Independent">{{cite web | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-saudi-arabia-triple-h-interview-defends-no-women-wrestlers-a8319446.html | title =WWE Greatest Royal Rumble: Triple H defends hosting event in Saudi Arabia without any women wrestlers | last =Paddock | first =Matty | date =April 24, 2018 | website = [[The Independent]] | access-date =April 24, 2018}}</ref> Consistent with the change in law for sporting events in 2017,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/10/30/saudi-arabia-will-allow-women-to-attend-sporting-events-in-stadiums/|title=Saudi Arabia will allow women to attend sporting events in stadiums| first=Samantha| last=Schmidt |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> women are in attendance for the events, though only if [[Women's rights in Saudi Arabia#Male guardianship|accompanied by a male guardian]].<ref name="Independent" /> This was a major change from previous events, which were only open to men. [[Associated Press]] noted that this is due to "a series of social changes" by Crown Prince [[Mohammad bin Salman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/a05bf0eea74b4a9a9a776ae5039c7066|title=Women, children attend wrestling event in Saudi Arabia|website=APNews.com|date=April 28, 2018|access-date=April 28, 2018}}</ref> During the [[Greatest Royal Rumble]], WWE aired a promotional video, which included female wrestlers in their ring gear. The Saudi General Sports Authority issued an apology for "indecent material" that aired at the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/117156/apology-issued-for-indecent-material-aired-during-greatest-royal-rumble.html?p=1|title=APOLOGY ISSUED FOR 'INDECENT' MATERIAL AIRED DURING GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE - PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> During the second show, [[Crown Jewel (2018)]], [[Renee Young]] provided commentary at the show. She did the same at 2019's [[Super ShowDown (2019)|Super ShowDown]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/renee-young-be-part-wwe-crown-jewel-announce-team-269096|title=Renee Young to be part of WWE Crown Jewel announce team|date=October 30, 2018|access-date=November 1, 2018}}</ref> Just hours before Super ShowDown on June 7, 2019, reports emerged that WWE were attempting to add a women's match to the card, which would have seen [[Alexa Bliss]] face [[Natalya (wrestler)|Natalya]]. The two women joined WWE personnel for the trip, but the match was ultimately rejected by the [[Saudi Arabian government]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/alexa-bliss-natalya-wwe-match-not-approved-saudi-arabian-government-285511|title=Alexa Bliss-Natalya WWE match not approved by Saudi Arabian government|author-link=Dave Meltzer|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=June 7, 2019|website=F4WOnline|language=en-UK|access-date=June 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/alexa-natalya-not-approved-saudi-arabia/#.XPq-JC2B3OQ|title=Alexa Bliss And Natalya Reportedly Not Approved To Wrestle At WWE Super ShowDown|last=Satin|first=Ryan|date=June 7, 2019|website=Pro Wrestling Sheet|language=en-UK|access-date=June 7, 2019}}</ref> On October 30, 2019, WWE announced that a match between Natalya and [[Lacey Evans]] had been approved for the 2019 [[Crown Jewel (2019)|Crown Jewel]] event, making it the first-ever women's match in Saudi Arabia. At the event, Evans wore a full bodysuit instead of her normal ring attire (Natalya's normal ring attire is a full bodysuit) and both wore T-shirts promoting their WWE shirts for sale, due to the country's conservative dress policy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50248949|title=Women's wrestling match is first in Saudi Arabia|work=BBC News|date=October 31, 2019}}</ref> WWE largely celebrated the match as groundbreaking, which they later nominated for a [[WWE Year-End Award]] for [[WWE Year-End Award#2019 awards|Moment of the Year]], with WWE [[Chief Brand Officer|CBO]] [[Stephanie McMahon]] stating in an interview: "You can either sit on the sidelines and there are plenty of companies and brands that decide to do that or you can be a part of hopefully enacting change. You can be a part of progress. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. It takes time. It takes perseverance. Now here we are with the first ever women's match in Saudi Arabia. It's pretty mind blowing."<ref name="2019 Year-End">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/wwe-year-end-award-winners-2019/ |title=WWE Reveals 2019 Year End Award Winners |date=December 28, 2019 |access-date=December 31, 2019 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |last=Perez |first=Chris}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2860474-wwe-exclusive-stephanie-mcmahon-on-first-ever-womens-match-in-saudi-arabia |title=Exclusive: Stephanie McMahon on WWE's First-Ever Women's Match in Saudi Arabia |date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=March 9, 2020| via=www.bbc.com}}</ref> However, reactions from other media outlets were mixed. While some were positive, such as ''[[Heavy.com]]'', who stated that the match was "put in place to break barriers and further WWE's 'Women’s Evolution' for the proud ladies in attendance and watching all over the world. And for that, I have to give it the utmost props", or ''Canoe.com'' who stated that "The historic match was about and meant so much more [than its result]."<ref name=heavy.com>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Elton |title=WWE Crown Jewel 2019: Reactions & Review |url=https://heavy.com/sports/2019/10/wwe-crown-jewel-2019-reactions-review/ |work=[[Heavy.com]] |date=October 31, 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019}}</ref><ref name=CanoeReview>{{cite news |last1=Powell |first1=John |title=The Fiend, WWE women make history at Crown Jewel |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2019/10/31/22802199.html |work=[[Canoe.com]] |date=October 31, 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019}}</ref> ''[[Newsweek]]'' called the match part of "Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's [intent on] luring major sports event [...] to position the ultra-conservative Islamic country as more liberal and diversify its economy away from depending on the oil industry as part of its Saudi Vision 2030 plan", with Saudi Arabian [[Amnesty International]] researcher Dana Ahmed calling the match "a prime example how the Saudi Arabian authorities are using elite sports to try to 'sportswash' their dire human rights record and image internationally".<ref name=NewsweekSportswashing>{{cite news |last1=Powell |first1=John |title=WWE, SAUDI ARABIA 'SPORTSWASHING' COUNTRY'S 'DIRE HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD' WITH FIRST-EVER WOMEN'S MATCH |url=https://www.newsweek.com/wwe-crown-jewel-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-human-rights-womens-match-1468938 |work=[[Newsweek]] |date=October 31, 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019}}</ref> ''[[CBS Sports]]'' criticized [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]]'s commentary, pointing out that he was "trying to put over the progressiveness of Saudi Arabia" during the match.<ref name=CBSReview>{{cite news |last1=Silverstein |first1=Adam |last2=Crosby |first2=Jack |title=2019 WWE Crown Jewel results, recap, grades: Major world title change among surprising outcomes |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2019-wwe-crown-jewel-results-recap-grades-major-world-title-change-among-surprising-outcomes/ |work=[[CBS Sports]] |date=October 31, 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019}}</ref> At [[Super ShowDown (2020)|Super ShowDown]] in 2020, [[Bayley (wrestler)|Bayley]] defended her [[WWE SmackDown Women's Championship|SmackDown Women's Championship]] against [[Naomi (wrestler)|Naomi]], making it the first time a women's championship was defended in Saudi Arabia. ===Killing of Jamal Khashoggi=== {{main|Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi}} {{see also|Crown Jewel (2018)}} One month prior to the 2018 edition of Crown Jewel, Saudi Arabia received substantial negative press due to the [[killing of Jamal Khashoggi]] at the hands of Saudi agents. This led to the WWE facing calls to cancel the event, with prominent U.S. [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] politicians criticizing the company's endeavors in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Reed|first=Adam|title=Multimillion-dollar WWE pay-per-view deal in jeopardy due to Saudi Arabia tensions|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/12/multi-million-dollar-wwe-pay-per-view-deal-in-jeopardy-due-to-saudi-arabia-tensions.html|work=CNBC|date=October 12, 2018|access-date=October 12, 2018}}</ref> Questions were raised whether because of the position of then-[[Administrator of the Small Business Administration]] [[Linda McMahon]], who is the wife of WWE Chairman [[Vince McMahon]] and a former WWE executive herself, WWE's endeavors in Saudi Arabia could still be viewed as a strictly private business enterprise. Due to this, Democratic Senator [[Bob Menendez]] urged the US government to pressure WWE into canceling the event, while Republican [[Lindsey Graham]], among others, called for WWE to reconsider their business deal with the Saudi kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=Multiple Senators question WWE's Saudi Arabia dealings|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/10/12/wwe-saudi-arabia-senator-lindsay-graham-chris-murphy-jamal-khashoggi-disappearance|access-date=October 12, 2018}}</ref> WWE continued to promote the show, but erased all references to Saudi Arabia as the event's location.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bixenspan|first=David|title=WWE Is Not Handling The Backlash To Its Saudi Deal Very Well|url=https://deadspin.com/wwe-is-not-handling-the-backlash-to-its-saudi-deal-very-1829819920|work=[[Deadspin]]|date=October 17, 2018|access-date=October 18, 2018}}</ref> On October 19, the day tickets were to go on sale, the Saudi government confirmed the death of Khashoggi within the consulate and WWE.com removed ticket information from the event page.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Martinez|first=Philipp|title=WWE CROWN JEWEL: TICKET SALES POSTPONED, MENTIONS OF SAUDI ARABIA REMOVED FROM SITE|url=https://www.newsweek.com/wwe-crown-jewel-tickets-postponed-1179997|work=[[Newsweek]]|date=October 20, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> On October 25, WWE confirmed the event would go on as planned, citing contractual obligations to the General Sports Authority.<ref>{{cite web|last=McKenna|first=James|title=WWE Announces Crown Jewel Will Continue As Planned|url=http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/crown-jewel-continue/#.W9Hm9hNKi8W|publisher=Pro Wrestling Sheet|date=October 25, 2018|access-date=October 25, 2018}}</ref> Speaking with [[Sky Sports]] on pushing forward with the event despite the murder, Stephanie McMahon spoke of "an incredibly tough decision, given that heinous act", but said that in the end it was strictly a business decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11541125/stephanie-mcmahon-defends-wwe-saudi-arabia-event-crown-jewel|title=Stephanie McMahon defends WWE Saudi Arabia event Crown Jewel|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref> ===Wrestlers refusing to work=== [[Sami Zayn]] did not participate in the Greatest Royal Rumble as Zayn is of [[Syrian people|Syrian]] descent, and Saudi Arabia has [[Saudi Arabia–Syria relations#2010s and Syrian Civil War|strained relations]] with Syria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/117141/vince-thanks-saudi-arabia-backstage-notes-and-more-from-greatest-royal-rumble.html?p=1|title=VINCE THANKS SAUDI ARABIA, BACKSTAGE NOTES AND MORE FROM GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE|website=PWInsider|date=April 28, 2018|access-date=April 29, 2018}}</ref> [[Noam Dar]], an [[Israel]]i wrestler, of [[205 Live (WWE brand)|205 Live]] has never participated in any of the Saudi events due to the [[Arab League boycott of Israel]] and the [[Arab–Israeli conflict]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.twm.news/no-one-wants-wwe-to-return-to-saudi-arabia/|title=No One Wants WWE To Return To Saudi Arabia|first=Adam|last=Cailler|date=October 5, 2019}}</ref> During Crown Jewel (2018), [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]] was scheduled to face [[A.J. Styles|AJ Styles]] for the [[WWE Championship]], but he refused to work the show due to the Khashoggi murder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gartland |first1=Dan |title=Daniel Bryan out of to Saudi show, replaced by Samoa Joe |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/10/30/wwe-crown-jewel-saudi-arabia-daniel-bryan-update |access-date=April 16, 2021 |work=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030184748/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/10/30/wwe-crown-jewel-saudi-arabia-daniel-bryan-update |archive-date=October 30, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |title=Spoiler: Daniel Bryan's status for Crown Jewel and more |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=121389 |access-date=April 16, 2021 |work=[[PWInsider]] |date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203125445/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=121389 |archive-date=December 3, 2018}}</ref> As a result, his title match was bumped up to the October 30 episode of ''SmackDown'', and he was replaced by [[Samoa Joe]]. [[John Cena]], who was scheduled to participate in the [[WWE World Cup]] at the event had called it "an honor and a privilege" to compete in Saudi Arabia during the Greatest Royal Rumble, was replaced by [[Bobby Lashley]], as he reportedly refused to work the show in wake of the Khashoggi murder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bonesteel |first1=Matt |title=John Cena won't appear at WWE Crown Jewel show in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2018/10/30/john-cena-wont-appear-wwe-crown-jewel-show-saudi-arabia/ |access-date=April 16, 2021 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030220215/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2018/10/30/john-cena-wont-appear-wwe-crown-jewel-show-saudi-arabia/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fiorvanti |first1=Tim |title=John Cena won't take part in WWE's Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/wwe/story/_/id/25122128/john-cena-take-part-wwe-crown-jewel-saudi-arabia |access-date=April 16, 2021 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030085343/https://www.espn.co.uk/wwe/story/_/id/25122128/john-cena-take-part-wwe-crown-jewel-saudi-arabia |archive-date=October 30, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rose |first1=Byran |title=John Cena off WWE Crown Jewel, replaced by Lashley |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/john-cena-wwe-crown-jewel-replaced-lashley-268991 |access-date=April 16, 2021 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030082049/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/john-cena-wwe-crown-jewel-replaced-lashley-268991 |archive-date=October 30, 2020}}</ref> In February 2019, ''Fightful'' reported that prior to his [[leukemia]] diagnosis, [[Roman Reigns]] had informed [[Vince McMahon]] that he also would not be taking part in the Crown Jewel PPV due to the controversy surrounding the event.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ross Sapp|first1=Sean|title=Exclusive: Roman Reigns Told WWE He Didn't Want To Go To Saudi Arabia Before Leukemia Diagnosis|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/exclusive-roman-reigns-told-wwe-he-didn-t-want-go-saudi-arabia-leukemia-diagnosis|work=Fightful|accessdate=March 21, 2021}}</ref> In 2019 for Super ShowDown, [[Kevin Owens]] and [[Aleister Black]] told WWE that they would not travel to Saudi Arabia, in addition to Zayn and Bryan once again not competing on the show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/exclusive-kevin-owens-told-wwe-he-didn-t-want-go-back-saudi-arabia|title=Exclusive: Kevin Owens Told WWE He Didn't Want To Go Back To Saudi Arabia {{!}} Fightful Wrestling|website=www.fightful.com|language=en|access-date=May 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2019/05/22/several-wwe-performers-are-not-expected-to-go-to-saudi-arabia/|title=Several WWE performers are not expected to go to Saudi Arabia|last=Pollock|first=John|date=May 22, 2019|website=POST Wrestling {{!}} WWE NXT NJPW UFC Podcasts, News & Reviews|language=en-US|access-date=May 23, 2019}}</ref> Kevin Owen's refusal to work the show allegedly comes from his friendship with Sami Zayn.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/kevin-owens-super-showdown-saudi-arabia-dolph-ziggler-1432908|title=Kevin Owens told WWE he won't be a part of Super Showdown, according to a new report|first=Phillip|last=Martinez |date=May 22, 2019|website=Newsweek|language=en|access-date=June 8, 2019}}</ref> As a result of his absence, he was replaced in the WWE Championship match by [[Dolph Ziggler]]. Despite Dar not participating in the Saudi Arabia shows due to the Arab–Israeli conflict, [[Bill Goldberg]] and [[Paul Heyman]] have worked multiple Saudi Arabia shows without incident despite both being [[Judaism|Jewish]] and in Heyman's case his own mother having been a [[The Holocaust|Holocaust]] [[Holocaust survivors|survivor]]. Goldberg would go on to defend WWE on the shows following his victory over [[Bobby Lashley]] at the [[Crown Jewel (2021)|2021 Crown Jewel]], saying that he feels the country is heading in the right direction in "Westernizing" the country and the Middle East region as a whole, citing the progress just in WWE's shows alone in the Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/10/goldberg-on-wwes-saudi-arabia-shows-were-part-of-a-revolution/|title = Goldberg Responds to Fans Critical of WWE Saudi Arabia Shows: "We're Part of a Revolution"|date=October 29, 2021}}</ref> Goldberg did, however, later admit on [[Pat McAfee]]'s podcast that he was initially scared to go to Saudi Arabia due to his strong Jewish heritage, but felt more comfortable after receiving a positive response from the Saudi fans and understood the bigger picture of the shows.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/12/goldberg-explains-why-he-was-terrified-of-going-to-saudi-arabia-at-first/ |title=Goldberg Explains Why His Match with the Undertaker Was A "Debacle" |date=December 30, 2021}}</ref> Since Saudi Arabia has [[Freedom of religion in Saudi Arabia|strict laws]] against [[atheism]] which is punishable by [[Capital punishment in Saudi Arabia|death]], [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] (Hassan Assad), who is a former Muslim converted during his prison term, avoided travel to the country for [[Crown Jewel (2022)|Crown Jewel]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gerweck.net/2022/11/06/what-bray-wyatt-said-during-the-crown-jewel-ple-why-mvp-missed-the-event/ |title=What Bray Wyatt said during the Crown Jewel PLE, why MVP missed the event |date=November 6, 2022}}</ref> ===Travel issues=== After Crown Jewel in 2019, a charter flight back to the United States carrying roughly 200 WWE employees (including performers and other staff) was delayed at [[King Fahd International Airport]] for multiple hours. WWE and the airline [[Atlas Air]] officially stated that the flight had been grounded for mechanical issues,<ref name="riley2">{{cite news |last1=Riley-Smith |first1=Ben |date=5 November 2019 |title=WWE stars 'held hostage' on Saudi Arabia plane after dispute with crown prince, reports claim |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/11/05/wwe-stars-held-hostage-saudi-arabia-plane-dispute-crown-prince/ |access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="buf">{{Cite web |date=2019-11-01 |title=Delayed in Saudi Arabia, some WWE talent to miss SmackDown in Buffalo |url=https://buffalonews.com/2019/11/01/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-saudi-arabia-key-bank-center/ |access-date=2019-11-02 |website=The Buffalo News |language=en-us}}</ref> but reports from former WWE Spanish-language commentator [[Hugo Savinovich]] and wrestling journalist [[Dave Meltzer]] suggested that disputes with the Saudi government over missed payments to WWE for the previous shows were a factor in the delays (including the presence of Saudi military police).<ref name="riley2"/><ref name=":0">{{cite news |date=6 November 2019 |title=WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's issue with Crown Prince lead to plane mishap in Saudi Arabia? |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/vince-mcmahon-brock-lesnar-take-private-jet-leave-wwe-superstar-stranded-for-24-hours-at-saudi-arabia-airport-report/story-opFwAs7EcijXncjaVp9PpO.html |access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref> 20 WWE employees, including CEO [[Vince McMahon]] and 12 wrestlers, booked their own flights back to the United States,<ref name="riley2" /><ref name=":0" /> while the following night's ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' in Buffalo was retooled to primarily feature talent from the women's division and [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] (which did not participate in the event).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-01 |title=WWE Sets Announcers for 'SmackDown' in Wake of Saudi Arabia Delays |url=https://www.thewrap.com/friday-smackdown-announcers-renee-young-tom-phillips-aiden-english-wwe-saudi-arabia-delay/ |access-date=2019-11-02 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2019 |title=Special WWE SmackDown Announce Team Revealed For Tonight, Update On The WWE Travel Situation |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/11/special-wwe-smackdown-announce-team-revealed-for-tonight-661587/ |work=[[Wrestling Inc.]]}}</ref> ===Lawsuit=== On March 6, 2020, a retirement fund for firefighters filed a lawsuit against WWE in the [[United States District Court for the Southern District of New York]], stemming from concerns related to the fund's holding of WWE stock. According to ''[[Forbes]]'', it is "an attempt at class action alleging that WWE defrauded investors via its handling of their deals with the Saudi royal family, who also control [[OSN]], the network that airs WWE programming in Saudi Arabia." The lawsuit claims that the Saudi Arabian government failed to pay WWE millions of dollars owed from their deal with the company, that WWE's failed to disclose said payment issues and that OSN unlawfully terminated a broadcast deal with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbixenspan/2020/03/07/wwe-sued-over-saudi-arabia-deal-by-another-retirement-fund/ |title=Another Retirement Fund Sues WWE, This Time Alleging Cover-Up Of Saudi Issues| date=March 7, 2020 |access-date=March 9, 2020| last=Bixenspan |first=David |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> == Live events == === House shows === {|class="wikitable" style="margin: auto" |- |style="background:#BBF; width:2em"| |[[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]]-branded event |} {| class="wikitable" !# !Date !City !Venue |- | style="text-align:center" |1 |April 17–19, 2014<ref name=pfdb1416 /> |[[Riyadh]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[Green Halls Stadium]] |- | style="text-align:center" |2 |October 8–10, 2015<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/locations/kingdom-of-saudi-arabia/makkah/jeddah/king-abdullah-sports-city-sports-hall-3251.html|title=King Abdullah Sports City Sports Hall, Jeddah, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.profightdb.com|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> |[[Jeddah]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[King Abdullah Sports City|King Abdullah Sports City Sports Hall]] |-style="background:#BBF; | style="text-align:center" |3 |November 3–4, 2016<ref name=pfdb1416 /> |[[Riyadh]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[Green Halls Stadium]] |} ===Pay-per-view and livestreaming events=== {|class="sortable wikitable succession-box" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center;" !# !Event !Date !City !Venue !Main event !Ref. |- |1 |[[Greatest Royal Rumble]] |April 27, 2018 |[[Jeddah]], [[Mecca Province]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[King Abdullah International Stadium]] |50-man [[Royal Rumble match|Greatest Royal Rumble match]] for the Greatest Royal Rumble Trophy and Championship |<ref>{{cite news |title=Saudi Arabia to Host the Greatest Royal Rumble® |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2018/03-05-2018-150740233 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |work=[[WWE]] |agency=[[Business Wire]] |date=March 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308104531/https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2018/03-05-2018-150740233 |archive-date=March 8, 2018 |location=[[Riyadh, Saudi Arabia]] and [[Stamford, Connecticut]] |quote=The Saudi General Sports Authority in partnership with WWE will present the Greatest Royal Rumble event at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday, April 27. For the first time ever, the Royal Rumble match will feature 50 WWE Superstars.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=India Today Web Desk |title=WWE: Saudi Arabia to host The Greatest Royal Rumble, 25 superstars to participate |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/wwe/story/wwe-saudi-arabia-to-host-the-greatest-royal-rumble-50-superstars-to-participate-1183095-2018-03-06 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |work=[[WWE]] |date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307123724/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/wwe/story/wwe-saudi-arabia-to-host-the-greatest-royal-rumble-50-superstars-to-participate-1183095-2018-03-06 |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |location=[[Jeddah, Saudi Arabia]]}}</ref> |- |2 |[[Crown Jewel (2018)]] |November 2, 2018 |[[Riyadh]], [[Riyadh Province]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[King Saud University Stadium]] |[[D-Generation X]] ([[Shawn Michaels]] and [[Triple H]]) vs. [[The Brothers of Destruction]] ([[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] and [[The Undertaker]]) |<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lake |first1=Jefferson |title=WWE Raw: D-Generation X reunite to battle The Undertaker and Kane |url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/wwe/news/14203/11521701/wwe-raw-d-generation-x-reunite-to-battle-the-undertaker-and-kane |access-date=April 15, 2021 |work=[[Sky Sports]] |date=October 9, 2018 |quote=Michaels has not competed since losing a career-versus-streak match to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26 but makes his return to face the Dead Man in a tag match at the Crown Jewel pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia next month.}}</ref> |- |3 |[[Super ShowDown (2019)]] |June 7, 2019 |[[Jeddah]], [[Mecca Province]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[King Abdullah International Stadium]] |[[The Undertaker]] vs. [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] |<ref>{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=WWE.com |title=Undertaker, Goldberg to clash for first time ever at WWE Super ShowDown |url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-super-showdown-undertaker-vs-goldberg-june-2019?sf212604216=1 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |work=[[WWE]] |date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514195000/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-super-showdown-undertaker-vs-goldberg-june-2019?sf212604216=1 |archive-date=May 14, 2019 |location=[[Jeddah, Saudi Arabia]]}}</ref> |- |4 |[[Crown Jewel (2019)]] |October 31, 2019 |[[Riyadh]], [[Riyadh Province]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[King Fahd International Stadium]] |[[Seth Rollins]] (c) vs. [["The Fiend" Bray Wyatt]] in a [[Falls Count Anywhere match]] for the [[WWE Universal Championship]] which could not be stopped for any reason |<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burdick |first1=Michael |title=Universal Champion Seth Rollins vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt (Falls Count Anywhere Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2019/seth-rollins-vs-the-fiend-bray-wyatt |access-date=April 14, 2021 |work=[[WWE]] |date=October 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015072906/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2019/seth-rollins-vs-the-fiend-bray-wyatt |archive-date=October 15, 2019}}</ref> |- |5 |[[Super ShowDown (2020)]] |February 27, 2020 |[[Riyadh]], [[Riyadh Province]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[Mohammed Abdu Arena]] |[["The Fiend" Bray Wyatt]] (c) vs. [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] for the [[WWE Universal Championship]] |<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barrasso |first1=Justin |title=53-Year-Old Goldberg Out to Prove He Still Has It in Match vs. Bray Wyatt |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/02/27/wwe-bill-goldberg-bray-wyatt-saudi-arabia-match-preview |access-date=April 14, 2021 |work=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=February 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229042007/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/02/27/wwe-bill-goldberg-bray-wyatt-saudi-arabia-match-preview |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |quote=On Thursday at Mohammed Abdu Arena on the Boulevard in Riyadh—more than 6,500 miles away from WWE’s Connecticut headquarters—Goldberg will wrestle “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=WWE.com |title=Might meets fright when Goldberg challenges "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-showdown/wwe-super-showdown-2020/the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-goldberg |access-date=April 14, 2021 |work=[[WWE]] |date=February 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208060412/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-showdown/wwe-super-showdown-2020/the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-goldberg |archive-date=February 8, 2020 |quote=Who's next for Goldberg? Universal Champion 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt. Might meets fright for the Universal Championship at WWE Super ShowDown.}}</ref> |- |6 |[[Crown Jewel (2021)]] |October 21, 2021 |[[Riyadh]], [[Riyadh Province]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[Mohammed Abdu Arena]] |[[Roman Reigns]] (c) vs. [[Brock Lesnar]] for the [[WWE Universal Championship]] |<ref>{{cite news|last=Nason|first=Josh|date=July 26, 2021|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-returning-saudi-arabia-october-21-348201|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727091708/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-returning-saudi-arabia-october-21-348201|archivedate=July 27, 2021|url-status=live|title=WWE returning to Saudi Arabia on October 21|website=[[Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|accessdate=September 3, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=August 16, 2021|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/149822/wwe-returning-to-saudi-arabia.html|title=WWE Returning to Saudi Arabia|work=PWInsider|accessdate=September 3, 2021}}</ref> |- |7 |[[Elimination Chamber (2022)]] |February 19, 2022 |[[Jeddah]], [[Mecca Province]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[Jeddah Super Dome]] |[[Bobby Lashley]] (c) vs. [[Brock Lesnar]] vs. [[AJ Styles]] vs. [[Austin Theory]] vs. [[Matt Riddle|Riddle]] vs. [[Seth "Freakin" Rollins]] in an [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]] for the [[WWE Championship]] |<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lambert|first1=Jeremy|title=WWE Confirms Elimination Chamber Event In Saudi Arabia|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-confirms-elimination-chamber-event-saudi-arabia|work=Fightful|access-date=January 17, 2021|date=January 17, 2021}}</ref> |- |8 |[[Crown Jewel (2022)]] |November 5, 2022 |[[Riyadh]], [[Riyadh Province]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[Mrsool Park]] |[[Roman Reigns]] (c) vs. [[Logan Paul]] for the [[Undisputed WWE Universal Championship]] |<ref name="CJ2022confirmed">{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-crown-jewel-2022-premium-live-event-schedule-saudi-arabia/|title=WWE Announces Crown Jewel 2022, Updated Event Schedule for 2022|date=May 23, 2022|last=Casey|first=Connor|work=[[ComicBook.com]]|access-date=May 23, 2022}}</ref> |- |9 |[[Night of Champions (2023)]] |May 27, 2023 |[[Jeddah]], [[Mecca Province]], [[Saudi Arabia]] |[[Jeddah Super Dome]] |[[To be determined|TBD]] |<ref name="2023NoC-announced">{{cite news |last1=Lambert |first1=Jeremy |title=WWE Changes 'WWE King & Queen Of The Ring' PLE To 'WWE Night Of Champions' |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-changes-wwe-king-queen-ring-ple-wwe-night-champions |access-date=April 13, 2023 |work=Fightful |date=April 13, 2023}}</ref> |- |colspan="10"|{{center|(c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match}} |- |} ==See also== * [[Sportwashing]] ==References== {{reflist}} {{Portal bar|Saudi Arabia|United States}} {{WWE}} {{WWEPPV|WWE in Saudi Arabia}} {{Saudi Arabia–United States relations}} [[Category:WWE in Saudi Arabia| ]] [[Category:WWE international|Saudi Arabia]] [[Category:Entertainment events in Saudi Arabia]] [[Category:Professional wrestling controversies]] [[Category:Saudi Arabia–United States relations]] [[Category:Wrestling Observer Newsletter award winners]]'