10 Biggest Game-Changers In Wrestling Right Now

6. Prince Mohammad Bin Salman

Triple H Kenny Omega
By DoD photo by Glenn Fawcett [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Stifle your eye-roll; this column space won't be used to rip into the morality of WWE's continued operations in Saudi Arabia.

Bin Salman's (indirect) influence on this industry's most powerful company (and therefore the industry as a whole) is monstrous. If the WWE/Saudi deal remains in place for even half of its ten years, it could completely alter the way Vince McMahon does business, as shows like Crown Jewel and the Greatest Royal Rumble, not WrestleMania and SummerSlam, will be his big money-makers. A businessman as sharp and astute as the Chairman will always focus on what's going to boost his coffers the most, and the reported $450 million he stands to make from bin Salman's government is already impacting his decision making.

Shawn Michaels wouldn't be coming out of retirement if not for this deal. The Undertaker wouldn't be on the verge of wrestling his fourth televised match of the year at 53. Now, there's talk of even the battle-ravaged Steve Austin being coaxed into action, such is the power of the almighty dollar.

Nothing is off the table anymore, and for as long as bin Salman is in cahoots with WWE, their co-opted events will profoundly impact the business.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.