By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE issued a statement to ProWrestling.net on Thursday in reference to the disappearance and possible murder of reporter Jamal Khashoggi, and the widespread belief that the Saudi Arabian government is behind it. “We are currently monitoring the situation,” reads the statement from WWE, which is scheduled to run the Crown Jewel event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2. For the record, the Saudi government denied involvement in a statement issued to CNN.com.
Powell’s POV: Jake Barnett and I discussed this situation in today’s member’s exclusive Dot Net Weekly audio show before WWE issued their statement. Long story short, we have zero pity for WWE given that they chose to do business with the controversial Saudi government and even aired what came off like a propaganda video on the Greatest Royal Rumble broadcast back in April. It will be very interesting to see whether the company goes forward with the lucrative Crown Jewel show, which is part of the company’s ten-year agreement with Saudi Arabia’s General Sport Authority.
Check below for the latest Pro Wrestling Boom Podcast with Jason Powell and guest Chris Harrington.
“Monitoring the situation” is quite the meaningless political statement. Unless there’s tremendous pressure, especially from the Connecticut senator, nothing will change. Money over everything.
WWE doesn’t give a single sh*t about that reporter. Do you know how much money they’re getting for this show?
On one hand, Saudi Arabia is not the only government that does really screwed up things. On the other, if I were Vince I would not want my guys going to that country. Just a higher risk of something breaking out.
Monitoring the situation means that they are still going and nothing is going to change.
I have to wonder how Olympic Gold Medalist and American Hero Kurt Angle will be welcomed there. I’m sure the crowd will love him. But with the apparent current animosity boiling between the two countries governments, they may be forced to downplay his schtick a little.