WWE: Let’s not blame Saudi Arabian fans for Crown Jewel’s problems

Crown Jewel is upon us and, really, anytime the WWE heads to Saudi Arabia for a ginormous pay-per-view, things can feel sick for North American fans.

There are a ton of reasons why fans may be put off from the event. There’s political turmoil in that area of the world, plus some differing cultural and religious ideologies, not to mention the fact that the female WWE Superstars have been ignored from the card; until most recently, where Lacey Evans and Natalya are slated for the first-ever women’s match in Saudi Arabia. On top of that many talents are either refused from entry or refuse themselves to perform at these shows.

And these beliefs should not be downplayed.

It’s clearly a money thing for the WWE. Perhaps a “business as usual” decision, and it tends to come off as such with the all-mighty dollar really winning over standing up for something that is morally and ethically right.

Do I watch the Saudi PPVs? I certainly don’t blackball them. I know they are all about money and making money for the WWE, but as a wrestling blogger, it’s kind of part of my job to stay up to date on things, and I can appreciate the matches, at times. I don’t see it as me adding to the WWE’s profits when I tune in. I pay my monthly subscription to the Network, so regardless of whether I tune in or not, it really doesn’t matter.

But one thing that stands out for me while watching these Saudi events, other then those incredibly comfy chairs that the first few rows get, are the fans and their genuine excitement to be at a live event.

And I’m not talking about the Saudi powers that be, king, queen, or prince who throw their money around to see Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair go at it or dream matches like The Undertaker vs. Goldberg. I’m talking about the fans that aren’t that different from you or me. I’m talking about the people in the stands, the children, the women, and men, who are living in a region – who may or may not agree how things are run – who just want to enjoy some live wrestling.

While I may not agree with what the WWE is doing with these events and I may not agree with everything that unravels in this part of the world; I can’t ignore the excitement in the eyes of the everyday Saudi people at these events that reflect back on my screen during these PPVs. Being a part of the WWE Universe is a cool thing, but you never feel more a part of it until you’ve gone to a live event: whether that be a house show, PPV, RAW, SmackDown, or one of the Big Four.

One highlight is seeing the signs, hearing the familiar chants erupt, knowing that these people do finally feel like they are part of the storylines, the character journeys, the WWE Universe as a whole. That’s something that should go beyond politics, religion, gender, or anything else. It’s the excitement of being entertained; feeling as if you are a part of history; knowing that your energy not only can be felt in the stadium or arena, or the hearts of each opponent in that ring, but also through the television screen, into something more.

There was nothing more fun for me as a little girl, then my dad telling me we were going to a wrestling show. Whether it was an independent event, or the WWE (and NWA back in my younger days); I got giddy with excitement. Making signs, getting high-fives from my favorite superstar, screaming, booing, starting chants – there’s nothing like it. I enjoyed it even more when I grew up and could go to live events with friends on my own; and it’s even more fun now (if that is even possible) seeing it through the eyes of my two girls.

My point being is, yes, it’s clearly done for business and money reasons; yes, there are many people who believe that the WWE shouldn’t be going to Saudi, and there many who believe that the company should take a stand.

And while perhaps these events may not be dubbed, “better than WrestleMania”, or even WM-caliber, should fans of sports entertainment be denied seeing their favorite superstars in person? Should they be denied the live experience? Perhaps that is the only silver-lining in an issue that continues to leave such a bad taste in many fans’ mouths.