10 Reasons WWE Should Never Return To Saudi Arabia
1. It’s Hurting The Business
Depressingly, none of the preceding reasons have soured Vince McMahon’s love of Saudi money. There is however one thing that may yet rouse him from his indifference. Vince might finally take notice if it starts effecting the business.
After all, disgust at the Saudi deal inspired #CancelTheNetwork. A campaign that was probably easy to ignore before Network subscriptions dropped off.
Q2 reports Have revealed that domestic and international subscriptions are both down from the same quarter last year. This despite Q2 including WrestleMania, normally peak subscription time.
TV ratings have also continued to drop at an excelerated rate since the Saudi deal started. They are now far below what Fox are apparently expecting when SmackDown moves there in the Autumn.
Yes there are other reasons but all the negative publicity can’t be helping. Lucrative as the Saudi gigs are WWE need weekly TV and Network subscribers.
After all, when you really boil it down, WWE make television shows. Ted Turner bought into the wrasslin’ business. Vince McMahon makes movies. If he wants to continue, he still needs a fan base willing to engage with the product. That product’s association with the Saudi Kingdom makes it increasingly unappealing.