For the past two years, WWE has proudly been partnering with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, heading over there to stage special live wrestling events that are also available to subscribers all over the world.
The initial idea was simple – it’s a massive market, previously untapped, and WWE wanted to get in there and make plenty of money. They signed a 10-year deal to produce two pay-per-view events there – and it’s estimated that they’re earning around $50million a year from the agreement.
But with the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United still with the Premier League, what can we learn from the sports entertainment giants’ experiences so far?
Star power
WWE have been able to use famous faces from other spheres to gain even more publicity and appeal to an even wider audience – including MMA’s Cain Velasquez and boxer Tyson Fury. Surely Newcastle can expect some marquee signings to bolster their team and backroom staff.
Unreasonable demands
One of the persistent stories circulating about Saudi Arabia’s fascination with WWE is that much of their interest is rooted in the distant past – and they are still requesting appearances from wrestlers who are no longer with us. Those on the Saudi wishlist have apparently included Yokozuna, the Big Boss Man, Eddie Guerrero, Randy Savage, and Miss Elizabeth.
Development of Saudi talent
Intriguingly, WWE are using Saudi talent on their shows now – and not just as bit-part players alongside the big names. Mansoor beat Dolph Ziggler at the Super ShowDown in February 2020, much to the glee of his home crowd – and there are other wrestlers from Saudi Arabia being added to the roster. Maybe Newcastle can expect one or two Saudi footballers in the squad.
Potential mutinies
WWE’s trips to Saudi Arabia have not won over all their talent, though. Several of their top-tier stars, including John Cena and Daniel Bryan, have refused to perform in those shows, lodging moral objections.
Saudi Arabia’s treatment of women has also caused some disquiet – although women were finally allowed to wrestle on the shows from 2019, albeit in top-to-toe costumes.
