Cody Rhodes has addressed WWE choosing to travel to Saudi Arabia in what many felt was a risky and controversial decision.
On Saturday, June 28, WWE hosted its latest Premium Live Event in the Kingdom. Days before the roster was set to make the trip overseas for the show, tensions in the Middle East escalated with the United States launching multiple attacks on Iran. With travel restrictions in place and with Iran promising retaliation to the US, there was a strong outcry to have the show moved to a different location, postponed, or cancelled altogether out of safety concerns for the staff and crew. However, despite the issues leading up to the event, which included production staff being temporarily stuck at Qatar airprt, the show went ahead as planned with everyone making it back safely.
During an interview with the Boston Herald, Rhodes spoke on the decision to travel to Saudi Arabia for the show, stating that their business is to go where the show goes:
“That is a responsibility to our fan base,” said Rhodes. “I don’t want to be negative, but I will say there is this whole ‘gotcha culture’ over who is a Democrat, who is a Republican, who is a moderate, and who people support. None of these things really should be anybody’s business – because our business is going where our show goes, which is all over the world, and hopefully bringing people together.”
“WWE is a non-partisan brand. We go where the show goes. One of the biggest eye-opening moments when you go to Saudi Arabia with WWE is when you look out at the fans at the show, at the meet and greets, or outside the hotel – and there is such a similarity between those who are hungry for WWE back home and those who are hungry for it in Europe and those who are so hungry for it all over the world. I feel so honored, especially in tumultuous times, to be able to go.”
Cody Rhodes Was Victorious In Saudi Arabia
Rhodes was one of many stars to appear as part of the PLE and the SmackDown taping the night before. Competing in the opening match of the show, The American Nightmare defeated Randy Orton to win the King of the Ring tournament. As a result of the victory, Rhodes will get his rematch with John Cena at SummerSlam with the World Championship on the line. Rhodes lost the title to Cena at WrestleMania 41, kicking off Cena’s record-breaking 17th reign.
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