As I sit and write this piece; I didn’t know how to properly explain my views and points on this situation.
I’m not wanting to use this piece to spout verbal nonsense about how I’m somehow better than those watching the show or that those watching the event are complicit with the actions of the Saudi Government etc etc; no. I just want to let others know why I, a lifelong wrestling fan and now journalist, won’t be watching WWE’s Crown Jewel.
Evolution was fantastic. That cannot be doubted/argued against. I honestly think that it was the main roster’s show of the year and, given the build, that is phenomenal. But what was particularly jarring throughout the show was the two plugs for the event taking place this Friday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; WWE Crown Jewel. A show where women are not allowed to compete was being showcased on a show dedicated to women’s wrestling and how amazing the women of WWE are. It summed up everything wrong with this event for me and showed the transparency shown that all WWE are doing this for, is money. And listen; with the sheer amount of dollars WWE are receiving for this contract with the country- I can understand it. I honestly can. But I don’t agree with it.
I may only be a young child in many of your eyes who are reading this; I’m 21 and in my final year of University. But what I lack in terms of life experience; I more than make up for in knowledge. I have been politically active ever since I can remember; having been on anti-war marches at the age of 7 and sitting in on political meetings aged 10. Yes, it’s largely down to the fact my father works in politics but as I grew up, I realised I enjoyed the political world and wanted to continue that venture. I now sit as of right now halfway through a yearlong politics dissertation at honours level. I am however, not going to pretend I know everything about Saudi Arabian politics because that’s blatantly not true. I am however, well versed to some extent and even if you aren’t politically focused in the slightest; you know the real issues with this show taking place. Over the past month, the killing of the Wall Street Journal journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, has taken centre stage on the global scale. The handling of the situation by Saudi representatives has been incredibly subtle and constantly trying to mis-direct the public’s eye. That, alone, should be reason enough for WWE to cancel the show itself and move on.
On popular evening satirical news show, ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’, Oliver dedicated the first ten minutes of his recent show to discussing the Saudi situation and, of that ten minutes, half talking about WWE’s deal with them. For the first time, in a long time, WWE is being discussed in the general media in a large story- but for all the wrong reasons. When a non-wrestling fan hears WWE, this past week they will probably think of this situation. Oliver actually brought up another aspect of this show; John Cena, and to a lesser extent, Daniel Bryan. Both Cena and Bryan have been written out of the show on Friday; Cena being replaced by Lashley in the World Cup and Joe replacing Bryan in the WWE title match, but this says a LOT about the talent’s views on the show. Many cynical people are accusing John Cena of leaving the show purely to save his image as he transitions into Hollywood and whilst that is clearly an aspect of his decision; it clearly also conflicts with his morals. And the same is clear with Daniel Bryan. Most of the issues talent reportedly have lies with my initial point at the top of this article; the fact that women cannot perform at the show/even make the trip to the country itself.
Whilst I have been putting this piece together; news broke that Renee Young is reportedly travelling to the country and will actually be on the show in her usual role as a commentator. And this is, of course, fantastic if true. It’s a step forward that should be celebrated. However; the fact that this is still under scrutiny and not properly confirmed, and is a news story at all, shows the main issue. WWE just put on a three hour PPV dedicated to their amazing women…but five days later will be putting on a show in a country that only allows women in the stadium if accompanied by a male. That is just…insane. And I know; it’s not like if WWE don’t appear then suddenly the Saudi Government and monarchy will become a secular state with equal rights. No-one is asserting that point. But the issue still stands; by WWE going forward with this show and taking the money providing to them, they make a bold statement; ‘We are ok with this’.
I want to stress; I do not look down/judge/feel anger towards fans who will be watching the show. I myself watched Greatest Royal Rumble as I managed to justify it to myself. But after the government issues a public apology after Carmella was shown on a bloody screen; I knew that was it for me. I felt awful after watching that show. But that’s just me personally. There are a multitude of reasons for fans to be watching; it could be your job to produce content like we do, you want to support the athletes themselves who are putting their bodies on the line or you just want to enjoy a wrestling show and who can really blame you? It’s an escape that we all use.
In summary; this article was just a way for me to give my overall view on the issues at hand concerning this show on Friday. I’m incredibly grateful to TWM for allowing me to voice these opinions. If you watch Crown Jewel and just want to watch a wrestling show; go for it. Have a blast- I hope you enjoy it. But for me; I couldn’t sit there knowing that, in the crowd, was a group of people who didn’t view women as equal citizens and (allegedly) murdered, then covered up, the killing of Jamal Khashoggi…that’s not an Evolution.