WWE Roundtable: Examining the Saudi Arabia situation

Laura: And yeah, it’s super important to encompass all the different strains of oppression. It’s also relevant if WWE are trying to reach out to the LGBT+ community as they seem to be (Finn’s shirt, etc). Then is it hypocritical to take money from a country that would put those same fans to death for their identity? Same with a roster which has Persian, Syrian, Palestinian and Jewish performers (I don’t think they have any Yemeni performers, but the point still counts).

Tom: And I think that also raises more questions. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Balor switch back to the black and white when wrestling in Saudi Arabia?

Laura: I think he did, yes.

Tom: They toned down the “For everyone” concept.

Kevin: Oh wow, didn’t even know that.

Tom: For me, that is definitely questionable. Yes, you have to pander to your audience, but to actively remove such a positive message is hypocritical of their own mission statement.

Laura: It does rather undermine the notion of ‘for everyone’. It implies that ‘for everyone’ comes with terms and conditions.

Tom: Sure, that might be a subtle change they can do over time, but we’ll have to see if that actually happens. It’s an active removal of representation from the LGBTQ+ community.

Phil: See and that’s a big part of my questions about why they would continue the deal. WWE can be tone deaf at times, but there’s no denying that continuing to align themselves with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia contradicts their own brand identity in many ways. For example, you can’t push a Women’s Revolution and continue dealings with a country that won’t allow women on the show. Be A Star, etc.

It’s not even so much about morality in that regard. It just seems like a poor business decision to send mixed messages

Laura: WWE aren’t above that kind of thing, sadly. Lionizing the Ultimate Warrior (and Hogan) and pushing Be A Star simultaneously is serious cognitive whiplash, but you are right.

Phil: Oh, absolutely. Trump is in the Hall of Fame so … yeah.

Laura: Ugh, I always try to block that out [laughs].

Phil: It just seems like they would be more cognitive of these kinds of real-world implications. Their storytelling decisions could be seen as unintentional or just ignorant. There are plenty of signs this is bad for business. Well, other than the money they’ve received, but I’m just not sure that makes it worth it