WWE has come under fire for its recent partnership with the Saudi Arabia government to bring major shows to the country (the second of which, WWE Crown Jewel, happens in November). This isn’t due to the company simply doing business in the country (they’ve done house shows before in Saudi Arabia), but due to furthering messaging by the Government during broadcasts.
It’s an interesting business move (one that has been highly profitable for WWE), and one with many facets to it. SI.com’s Justin Barrasso spoke with Middle East expert David Ottaway about the controversial deal, and he had some interesting insight to how it is impacting the local country.
Ottaway explained that the deal is part of a greater effort by the Saudi government to bring in international entertainment. The country has traditionally been difficult for worldwide companies, as religious restrictions and laws impact what can be done (thus why there’s no female wrestlers on the Saudi Arabia shows). The effort is spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is attempting to cater towards a younger crowd.
“The risk is religious backlash,” explained Ottaway to Sports Illustrated. “The religious leaders have huge followings, so this is very provocative to the religious establishment but very welcomed by the youth of Saudi Arabia.” He stresses that the risk from the Wahabi leaders is to the government, not to the companes that are working with them like WWE.
Any ethical qualms aside, Ottaway made it clear that this has been a successful deal for both sides:
They’re opening up a market and there is a demand for this, and they’re opening movie theaters and having concerts. This is designed for the younger audience to give them some relief from the austere atmosphere of Saudi Arabia that before had no films, no movies, no public concerts because of this oppressive austerity. This is a country that stops five times [a day] to pray, so it’s part of this social revolution taking place.
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