Former WWE Co-President George Barrios has explained the reasoning behind continuing to host shows in Saudi Arabia following the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.
In 2018, WWE entered an agreement to host multiple shows a year in the country over the next decade. The first show began in April 2018, dubbed The Greatest Royal Rumble. The company was set to return in November of that year to present the first Crown Jewel show. In October of that year, Washington Post journalist Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate and never exited. The CIA concluded that Khashoggi was murdered, with the order being given by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Sanctions were imposed on seventeen Saudis, but not bin Salman. Five were sentenced to death, three were sent to prison, and three were acquitted.
While multiple companies stopped business with Saudi Arabia at this time, Crown Jewel still went ahead as planned.
Barrios’ new book, Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE, details negotiations with Saudi Arabia during that time. POST Wrestling has obtained excerpts from the book:
“Our negotiations dragged on because the Saudis are notorious hagglers. By 2018, despite having made great progress, we were struggling to get the deal over the finish line. Complicating matters was the disappearance of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi.”
“As outraged as I was by what happened, I still defy anyone to argue they understand who was truly at fault. All I know is that on our end, Khashoggi’s disappearance called into question our deal with the Saudis.
“Vince (McMahon), Michelle (Wilson), and I spent a great deal of time debating the pros and cons of moving forward. Vince in particular was deeply uncomfortable with the uncertainty surrounding the events. In my opinion, we couldn’t walk out on the deal. It was too worthwhile for WWE. But Vince kept shaking his head. “This thing with Khashoggi. Doing the deal could be the biggest risk we’ve ever taken with the company. ‘Vince, listen to me’, I said. ‘I understand how serious this is. But no one really knows what’s going on.’”
Barrios started with WW in 2008 and eventually became co-president with Michelle Wilson. Both were fired in January 2020. Nick Khan currently holds the role of WWE President.
WWE Hit With Criticism And Stock Prices Fell Following Decision To Continue Shows Despite Jamal Khashoggi Murder
Along with the fan backlash of still holding the event in Saudi Arabia despite what happened, the company was also hit financially. In September 2018, WWE’s stock was originally trading at $93, but fell to less than $70 in October after the murder of Khashoggi. The stock would not fully recover until early 2023, which was when the company announced plans to sell or negotiate a merger. This led to WWE being sold to the Endeavor group shortly after WrestleMania 39.
WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia remains ongoing, with the COVID pandemic being the only factor that has caused shows to not take place in the Kingdom. WWE is set to host Night of Champions in the country on June 27, along with WrestleMania 43 in 2027.
