— According to a report by Sports Illustrated, multiple WWE wrestlers – speaking on condition of anonymity have “expressed discomfort” in having to compete at the upcoming Crown Jewel PPV in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The report adds that this is most due to the nation’s “poor record in human rights” – notably the recent issue where the Saudi government appears to be responsible for the death of a journalist who was openly critical of the current regime in the country.
— While WWE is currently holding strong in their plans to hold Crown Jewel there due to the gigantic compensation they are receiving for staging shows over the next 10 years, multiple businesses have already halted their dealing with Saudi Arabia, which should in theory make it easier for WWE to do the same. Richard Branson of Virgin Group, Dara Khosrowshahi of Uber, Jamie Dimon of J.P. Morgan Chase and Bill Ford of Ford Motor are some of the names who have either paused their projects or are no longer going to be attending a business conference in the country later this month. President Trump recently stated that there would be “severe punishment” if the Saudi government is found responsible for the journalist’s death and it is believed it would take intervention at the State or National level for WWE to slam on the brakes for their event.
— In response to the SI article, WWE released another brief statement:
“As always, we maintain an open line of communication with our performers, as we continue to monitor the situation.”