WWE Cancels Return To Saudi Arabia In 2020?

Don't expect another Crown Jewel or Super ShowDown this year.

by Andy H Murray
Saudi Trouble
WWE

It sounds like WWE may not be returning to Saudi Arabia in 2020.

WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon and Interim Chief Financial Officer Frank Riddick spoke on the matter during yesterday's Q1 2020 earnings call, stating that the ongoing global health crisis means the country may not be able to guarantee WWE their planned Q4 date.

WWE had previously hoped to stage another event in Saudi Arabia in November. McMahon states that a December show could be run instead, though it all depends on how the global situation progresses. WWE's last Saudi show, Super ShowDown 2020, went down on 27 February.

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Being forced to scrap 2020's second event wouldn't result in a loss of revenue, however, as Vince confirmed that the "good part" of all this is that they'd be able to tack the event onto the end of their 10-year contract. It'd effectively act as a postponement rather than a full-on cancellation.

With regards to a TV rights deal in Saudi Arabia, McMahon said that he thought a deal would have been struck by now and that things are moving slowly, with WWE unable to clarify when it might be settled.

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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.