10 WWE Saudi Arabia Matches That Didn't Totally Suck

There are many, many reasons to rag on WWE’s Saudi Arabian shows. From the low energy exhibited by much of the roster to the mercenary nature it brings out of some of its stars (namely Brock Lesnar, whose Effort exerted to Money made ratio has never been more out of whack) to the often disinterested crowds.

And that’s all before you even scratch the surface of the murky human rights issues and the treatment of stars like Sami Zayn and the entire female roster.

But at this point, there’s no stopping Vince and co, who can’t see past the monumental paydays on offer for putting on one or two shows per year for the delectation of the Saudi people (many of whom, it must be said, genuinely love the product - sadly, they’re stationed way up in the nosebleeds).

So, in the interest of looking on the positive, it’s fair to say there have been a handful of matches that weren’t without merit.

These are few and far between - and offset by some genuine Worst Match Ever contenders - but they do exist, and in the run-up to the latest Saudi disaster (probably), it’s only right we dish out the praise, faint though it may be...

The inaugural Saudi show is also probably the best, due partly to its lack of outright unwatchable (or scarily dangerous) matches. It gets off to a super-smart start, too, with an opening match of Wrestlemania headlining star wattage. Triple H and John Cena are two performers you can guarantee will be recognised by a perhaps less familiar crowd, and the pair receive two of the better pops the Saudi audiences have given.

The match is professionally worked, which isn’t necessarily the strongest of plaudits, but the two veterans play the hits, which was probably exactly the right thing to do in testing the waters of this new territory.

They’re also smart enough not to push their luck with the match’s length - HHH ignores his instincts to go for 25+ and puts Cena over in a smidge past 15 minutes. The closing stretch in particular ramps up the pace to retain a flagging crowd, and proves the class of both men.

For longtime fans there’s absolutely nothing you’ve not seen before, but the solidity and occasional bursts of excitement make this a match the two guys can be oddly proud of.