5 Ups And 7 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (June 10)

1. Saudi Propaganda

It’s fair to say that a sizeable portion of WWE viewers are going to criticize the company for its decision to continue its relationship with Saudi Arabia. But WWE is sliding back into suspect territory.

During its first show, Greatest Royal Rumble, WWE aired several segments that were essential puff pieces, propaganda for Saudi Arabia and how “progressive” it has become. The move was roundly criticized. At Crown Jewel last fall, WWE scrubbed all references to Saudi Arabia and just presented a straight PPV.

For Super Showdown, WWE didn’t mention the country by name in the lead-up, but name-dropped it during the event. And then they did again on Raw Monday night – while airing a few puff pieces showing fans (mostly children and women) cheering and smiling and later crying when native Mansoor won the 51-man battle royal.

Nevermind those segments aired adjacent to segments involving women superstars – who were barred from performing at Super Showdown. Nevermind that despite showing women and children having a good time at the event, there are reports that both groups face severe punishment from the government.

But look, WWE put smiles on all those faces.