WWE completely avoided mentioning the words Saudi Arabia yesterday during the whole Crown Jewel broadcast on the WWE Network, and only wrote Riyadh as the location of the show on the on-screen graphics.
Unlike at The Greatest Royal Rumble, where the actual country and the “progress” that is being made under the Prince was shown to the whole world, this time around there were no propaganda videos promoting Saudi Arabia or the Saudi Vision 2030, a plan to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism.
One big win WWE had this time around though was that Renee Young, the first Raw full-time female commentator, was allowed to work the event and sit ringside for the show alongside with Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Unlike previous unfounded rumors that Young had to wear a hijab for the broadcast, the Canadian didn’t have to wear one but was covered fully from her neck down in regular clothing.
The status of the relationship between WWE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains unknown at this point and it will be interesting to see if this 10-year deal will go forward as intended once 2019 rolls on.
