On May the 7th, just a few days ago, the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority announced an extension of their previous agreement with UFC. Now they want to do the same thing with WWE. Since they both fall under the TKO umbrella, the SAGEA does not think it will be a problem.

Turki Alalshikh is the Chairman of the afore mentioned GES. To ESPN he called it an “enhancement” of the existing deal they already have with WWE. That deal guarantees at least one Premium Live Event each year in Saudi Arabia. So far, the WWE has continued to host the Crown Jewel PLE in Riyadh since the agreement was agreed upon in 2018, with the exception of 2020.

This year the WWE is expected to once again have that PLE in Riyahd, but the next PLE is also going to take place in Saudi Arabia. That event is the King and Queen of the Ring on May 25th, but it will take place in Jeddah.

One or even two PLE does not seem like enough for the GES Chairman. He wants one of the “big four” yearly events. Those four PLE’s are Royal Rumble, WrestleMaina, Summer Slam and Survivor Series. Alalshikh also told ESPN that the new “enhanced” deal would be announced later this month and that he was specifically looking to add either the Royal Rumble of WrestleMania.

TKO will seemingly sign these PLE’s to the highest bidders, and with the financial backing of the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority, much like LIV Golf’s backing, it seems money is plentiful. According to an article by Cagesidesseats.com, Ari Emanuel, the Chairman and CEO of TKO once held issue with the Saudi government over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But, because of the amount of money exchanging hands, he has seemed to change his stance, or the UFC deal would not have gotten completed.

Personally, I am a torn about WWE getting “in bed” with Saudi Arabia. I understand the business side of the equation, but I also question the morals and ethics of the Saudi Government. More than that, I don’t like the message that TKO is sending. Which is, if you have enough money, any and all can be forgotten.

What is your opinion of the WWE in Saudi Arabia? Let me know in the comments below, and you, me, and other WWE fans can talk about it.

Photo Credit; WrestleTalk,

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