Ex-WWE Star Reveals Talent Rules For Saudi Arabia Events

A former WWE star has given an insight into what it’s like to work Premium Live Events in Saudi Arabia.

In 2018, WWE and Saudi Arabia struck up a partnership that would see the sports entertainment giant host two Premium Live Events per year in the kingdom for the next decade.

The deal continues to draw a huge amount of criticism given Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record, allegations of sportswashing, and political tension stemming from the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Initially, women were unable to wrestle at the events, but this was changed in 2019 when Natalya took on Lacey Evans at Crown Jewel.

Ahead of King & Queen of the Ring, several photos were posted by WWE of female stars relaxing in swimwear on a private beach. This drew significant criticism online with many pointing out the huge disparity in how they were treated compared to local female activists.

During a recent episode of his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, ex-WWE star Hardy discussed what rules were laid down by the company for shows in the kingdom.

Uh, one of the big things especially for the wrestlers, no alcohol was allowed there. They said don’t try to bring alcohol, don’t try to bring drugs, that’s like a very very big deal and a very serious crime if you do that. That’s the first thing that really stands out I think.

That was the main thing and everything else was kind of, be decent. I think they said don’t venture out on your own or go with someone’s away, kind of stick around or near the hotel. I think we almost had to because we were only there for like, you know, a day before and then it was the show.”

WWE Looking To Enhance Saudi Arabia Partnership

Meanwhile, TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro, recently said WWE and Saudi Arabia will be looking to expand their relationship within the next six to twelve months.

These comments came after Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh said the Kingdom was looking to host the Royal Rumble in 2026 or 2027. There’s also been major speculation Saudi Arabia is looking to strike a deal with WWE for WrestleMania in 2026.

H/t to Fightful