WWE Issue Statement On Saudi Arabia Show
WWE speak out on Jamal Khashoggi, but what next for their Saudi deal?
The alleged assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside his nation's consulate building in Turkey, remains a hot-button topic around the world, putting immense pressure on any western companies currently doing business in the Middle Eastern country.
With magnates like Virgin's Richard Branson suspending and/or withdrawing investment in Saudi Arabia, WWE's own dealings there have never been under so much scrutiny. Now, the promotion have finally released a statement on the matter:-
“We are currently monitoring the situation.”
This is about what should have been expected. It's brief and non-committal, but the WWE/Saudi deal could potentially net Vince McMahon a cool $450 million. At this stage, with the Khashoggi case still unresolved (Saudi officials have denied the allegations), it looks like WWE are taking a hands-off approach.
On top of WWE's statement, Fox News have published a new write-up featuring quotes from several prominent wrestling journalists, including the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer. He claims that the situation may force WWE to reconsider their business deal, though PWInsider's Mike Johnson acknowledges that this is extremely unlikely.
Johnson's colleague, Dave Scherer, adds further context, noting that WWE are contractually obliged to run Crown Jewel (2 November) and will face severe legal repercussions should they pull out.
Whatever happens, the pressure and criticism are only going to get louder as the Khashoggi case unravels.