12 Ups And 16 Downs For WWE In 2018
2. Saudi Arabian Controversy
WWE weathered a torrent of criticism this fall for doing something really unforgivable.
The company signed a lucrative long-term deal with Saudi Arabia to bring high-profile shows to the country, with the first two taking place in 2018. The first, Greatest Royal Rumble, was unremarkable, save for a 50-man Rumble that went on forever and really did nothing for its winner, Braun Strowman. It also featured a Universal Championship match that led to Roman Reigns walking around for four months calling himself the “uncrowned champion.”
Greatest Royal Rumble also viewed like an infomercial for Saudi Arabia, with numerous segments telling audiences how progressive and forward-thinking the country was – in part – because they were letting women drive and serve in official government positions. Oh, did we mention that not a single female talent took part in the show. Not. A. Single. Woman.
But it was the fall show, Crown Jewel, that really drove the criticism home. In addition to the continued prohibition on women wrestlers (but a covered-up Renee Young was permitted to call matches), the show was marred by the murder and dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the direction of high-ranking Saudi officials.
Despite other American businesses pulling out of Saudi-related ventures, WWE charged ahead with Crown Jewel, but going through great pains to remove any reference to Saudi Arabia. Compare how WWE talked about Crown Jewel to Super Show-Down, which took place a month prior in Australia.
It was a craven, disingenuous move by WWE, which could rear its ugly head again if and when the company returns to Saudi Arabia in 2019.