Why WWE Continued To Hold Shows In Saudi Arabia After Jamal Khashoggi's Assassination

Former WWE Co-President George Barrios has explained in his new book - Sometimes Wrong But Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE - why WWE did not cancel their partnership with the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority following the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, just months into the partnership.

Barrios wrote:

"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.'"

A number of companies pulled out of partnerships with Saudi Arabia following Khashoggi's murder, but WWE went ahead and held Crown Jewel 2018 in KSA just weeks after the assassination. The two sides have continued working together and WrestleMania 43 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2027.

Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist critical of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2, 2018 to certify divorce papers but he never left the building. A report from the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence concluded Khashoggi was murdered by a 15-person team led by a close associate of Mohammed bin Salman inside the Saudi consulate, and the Saudi crown prince approved the assassination.

George Barrios worked for WWE from 2008, becoming co-president with Michelle Wilson until they were fired in January 2020. Both Wilson and Barrios returned to WWE in January 2023 on the company's board of directors as part of Vince McMahon forcing his way back into the company. Barrios is a defendant in the ongoing WWE shareholder lawsuit over WWE's merger with UFC under TKO Group Holdings.

H/T POST Wrestling