10 Biggest Wrestling Scandals Of The 2010s
2. The Saudi Arabia Partnership
Wanting to improve their public image and move away from a reliance on oil money, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began expanding into the world of sport in the 2010s. Alongside investments in football, golf, and boxing, they also formed a strategic partnership with WWE.
In 2018, the company officially signed a ten-year partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority (now called the Ministry of Sport). Beginning with the 'Greatest Royal Rumble', the company agreed to run at least two pay-per-views a year in the country and generally contribute to tourism in the country.
The early days of this partnership were rough. The first few shows were absolute trash, little more than glorified house shows. On a more concerning level, female wrestlers were banned from performing until 2019 and Sami Zayn, who is of Syrian heritage, was also barred from appearing in the country.
Things took a really dark turn following the death of Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Arabian consulate in October 2018. Despite strong fan opposition, WWE still ran their Crown Jewel show just one month later. It's an ugly business and proof that sportswashing is alive and well.