A former WWE Co-President explains the promotion’s decision to continue hosting shows in Saudi Arabia after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The assassination of Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018 at the hands of Saudi Arabian government agents created a massive international controversy. It led WWE to face demands and political pressure to cancel the Crown Jewel event that year. However, the promotion went ahead with the show, citing contractual obligations with the country’s General Sports Authority, and noted that it was purely a business decision. Top superstars, including Bryan Danielson and John Cena, refused to participate in the event due to the controversy.
Former WWE Co-President George Barrios released his book Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE, detailing his tenure at the promotion. He noted that he, Vince McMahon, and the other Co-President, Michelle Wilson, discussed the pros and cons of hosting Crown Jewel 2018 after the controversy. He revealed that McMahon was hesitant to move forward.
“Our negotiations dragged on because the Saudis are notorious hagglers. By 2018, despite having made great progress, we were struggling to get the deal over the finish line. Complicating matters was the disappearance of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi.
“As outraged as I was by what happened, I still defy anyone to argue they understand who was truly at fault. All I know is that on our end, Khashoggi’s disappearance called into question our deal with the Saudis.
“Vince (McMahon), Michelle (Wilson), and I spent a great deal of time debating the pros and cons of moving forward. Vince in particular was deeply uncomfortable with the uncertainty surrounding the events.
The former WWE Co-President says he reasoned with Vince McMahon to proceed with the show
In his book, George Barrios noted that Vince McMahon believed continuing the deal could be a big risk. However, he reasoned with the former WWE Chairman to go ahead, saying nobody knows what was actually going on.
“In my opinion, we couldn’t walk out on the deal. It was too worthwhile for WWE. But Vince kept shaking his head. “This thing with Khashoggi. Doing the deal could be the biggest risk we’ve ever taken with the company.”
“Vince, listen to me”, I said. “I understand how serious this is. But no one really knows what’s going on.” [H/T POST Wrestling]
George Barrios began his career with WWE in 2008 and eventually rose to the position of Co-President, alongside Michelle Wilson. The promotion released the two executives in 2020, and Nick Khan replaced them that summer. However, Vince McMahon brought them back to the board of directors in 2023 as part of his efforts to regain power within the company before the Endeavor merger to form TKO.
Barrios is one of the defendants in the ongoing WWE shareholder lawsuit, which is set to begin trial this Monday in the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Read More: Mick Foley Details Why He Cut Ties With WWE Over ‘Cozy’ Donald Trump Relationship
