Mark Shapiro highlights Nick Khan‘s work in developing a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia.
In 2018, WWE signed a 10-year contract with Saudi Arabia that would require the company to hold at least one premium live event in Saudi Arabia. The number has since expanded to two shows per year. This initiative has continued under WWE President Nick Khan since Vince McMahon left the company.
During TKO’s first quarter earnings call on May 8, Endeavor President Mark Shapiro dismissed the notion that McMahon’s departure would impact WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. He spoke of the work that Nick Khan has done to nurture that bond. (H/t Fightful for the transcription)
“Let’s remember, we have a strong and healthy relationship with the Kingdom, through WWE, and doing two annual events a year. I’ll remind folks that those deals were primarily highly tied to Vince McMahon. There was a lot of speculation with Vince being gone, ‘would that impact the relationship in a negative way? Would they be looking to get out of it?’
“I would say that Nick Khan, in particular has developed, sustained, cultivated, and nurtured a very strong relationship in a handoff from Vince. They have a lot of trust and faith in each other. We’ve been delivering on those events. Potentially, we could look to do more events, but nothing is planned beyond those two events at this time. We will be continue to look at festivalizing those WWE events more than we already do.”
WWE will hold King and Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia on May 25.
