The world of professional wrestling has long been no stranger to controversy, but one partnership that has sparked heated debate in recent times is WWE’s ongoing relationship with Saudi Arabia. As the company continues to host events in the country, a growing number of fans and critics have expressed their disapproval, citing human rights concerns and the country’s questionable treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, one WWE Superstar who remains unapologetic about the partnership is Seth Rollins.
In a recent interview with a prominent wrestling publication, Rollins addressed the criticism head-on, making it clear that he does not condone the backlash. “Look, I understand where people are coming from, but at the end of the day, we’re here to put on a show,” Rollins said. “We’re not politicians, we’re not diplomats – we’re entertainers. And if people want to boycott us over a partnership that’s been in place for years, that’s their prerogative, but it’s not going to change my opinion on the matter.”
Rollins’ comments come as no surprise to those within the WWE. According to sources close to the company, Rollins has long been a vocal supporter of the Saudi partnership, citing the economic benefits it brings to the company and the opportunity to perform in front of sold-out crowds.
While Rollins’ stance may be met with approval from WWE management, not everyone in the company shares his enthusiasm for the partnership. Sources indicate that there are several Superstars who have privately expressed their concerns about working in Saudi Arabia, citing the country’s poor human rights record.
One such Superstar is reportedly Cody Rhodes, who has been a vocal critic of the partnership in the past. According to Rhodes’ close associates, he has continued to express his reservations about working in Saudi Arabia, despite the potential benefits to his career.
The debate surrounding WWE’s Saudi partnership has been ongoing for years, with many fans and critics calling for the company to sever ties with the country. However, WWE has thus far maintained its commitment to the partnership, citing the millions of dollars it generates for the company.
In recent years, WWE has made significant strides in Saudi Arabia, hosting several high-profile events in the country, including the Crown Jewel pay-per-view. The success of these events has been a major factor in WWE’s decision to continue its partnership with Saudi Arabia.
However, the partnership has not been without its challenges. In 2019, WWE faced widespread criticism for hosting a show in Saudi Arabia, just days after the country’s military had launched a bombing campaign in Yemen. The backlash was swift and severe, with many fans and critics calling for WWE to cancel the event.
Since then, WWE has taken steps to address some of the concerns surrounding its partnership with Saudi Arabia. The company has established a human rights advisory board, which is tasked with monitoring the country’s human rights record and providing guidance on how WWE can best navigate the complex issues surrounding its partnership.
Despite these efforts, the debate surrounding WWE’s Saudi partnership continues to rage on. While Rollins and others may see the partnership as a necessary evil, others see it as a betrayal of the company’s values.
As WWE continues to navigate the complex web of human rights concerns and economic benefits, one thing is clear: the partnership with Saudi Arabia is far from over. And as Rollins’ comments make clear, at least one WWE Superstar is willing to stand by the company’s decision, no matter the cost.
Sources close to WWE have indicated that the company is committed to continuing its partnership with Saudi Arabia, at least for the foreseeable future. However, with the ongoing backlash and criticism, it remains to be seen how long the partnership will ultimately last.
In the meantime, Rollins and others like him will continue to perform in front of sold-out crowds in Saudi Arabia, despite the controversy surrounding the partnership. It’s a delicate balancing act, one that requires a deep understanding of the complex issues at play.
As one WWE insider noted, “It’s a tough spot for the company to be in, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the bottom line. If the partnership is generating millions of dollars for WWE, then it’s hard to argue with that.” Whether or not that’s a justification worthy of WWE’s values remains to be seen.