WWE has hosted an array of shows in Saudi Arabia for a few years now. It came as a part of a comprehensive business deal between both parties in 2018. That said, even before the deal, WWE stepped into the country with its first show back in 2014. However, the strategic partnership brought historical development in the association between WWE and Saudi Arabia.

The greatest Royal Rumble PPV in 2018 was the first manifestation of the contract. The practice of bringing more large-scale events to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue until 2027. Along with that line, the upcoming PPV, Crown Jewel, is now all set to go live from Riyadh on November 4th. But some wrestlers might not be part of the show, in fact in any show emanating from Saudi Arabia as they have been banned from entering the country.

Despite signing the lucrative deal, Saudi Arabia previously banned a number of superstars

Although WWE faced massive backlash for its growing relationship with Saudi Arabia, it stuck to the deal due to the massive financial gain. However, while WWE and Saudi Arabia have a decent connection now, they didn’t provide fair treatment to some of the WWE stars.

Apart from the famous Crown Jewel, the country hosted two super showdown shows in 2019 and 2020 featuring The Undertaker, Goldberg, and Bray Wyatt. However, another superstar, Aleister Black, wasn’t allowed to perform in that show due to his back tattoo, which had a religious connection that didn’t go well with the country’s orthodox beliefs.

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Also, at last year’s Crown Jewel, there was a match featuring Omos and Braun Strowman. But the ex-WWE star and the current manager of the Nigerian Giant, MVP wasn’t anywhere in the show. Some reports later suggested that they restricted MVP from entering the country, for he is a Muslim who turned an atheist, something that makes it a punishable offense as per Saudi Arabian law.

Last but not least, the most popular of all the banned stars was Sami Zayn. Since 2018, he hasn’t performed at any of the shows hosted by the country until earlier this year.

Zayn, being of Syrian descent, wasn’t entitled to enter Saudi Arabia due to the strained relationship between the two countries.

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But then, as the situation turned better politically, Zayn performed in The Night of Champions 2023 alongside his tag teammate Kevin Owens and emerged victorious.

There’s still more controversy related to the relationship between WWE and Saudi Arabia.

Some WWE stars rejected travel to Saudi Arabia in the past

Not only did the Saudi Arabian government ban stars from appearing in a GSA/WWE-partnered show, but some top stars also refused to perform in the country in the past few years.

Roman Reigns will defend his coveted Undisputed Universal WWE World Championship against LA Knight at Crown Jewel next week. But he wasn’t very much into performing in a Saudi Arabia PLE in the past.

The infamous assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi made The Tribal Chief disagree to fly to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel 2018. John Cena also declined future appearances in the Saudi Arabian ring to show solidarity with the tragic death.

However, for now, we all are waiting to see a stellar showdown in Riyadh on November 4th. What’s your take on Saudi Arabia banning some wrestlers from entering the country? Do you think there will be any such incidents at the upcoming PLE?

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