News

Lita Speaks On Decision To Wrestle In Saudi Arabia Despite Past Criticism

By TJR Staff • Published 11th February 2022
Lita

Lita has commented on her decision to wrestle in Saudi Arabia despite her previous criticism of the partnership between the Kingdom and WWE.

When WWE first announced its partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it was met with criticism from many fans, partly because of the early shows not being able to showcase women’s wrestling.

However, this changed in 2019 when the first women’s match was held in the Kingdom at Crown Jewel, with Natalya taking on Lacey Evans. Since then, there have been several more women’s bouts in Saudi Arabia, while Jessika Carr refereed the Hell in a Cell match between Edge and Seth Rollins at the 2021 edition of Crown Jewel.

Back in 2018, Lita expressed her criticisms of the relationship between the two parties. At the time, she believed there was a “conflict of interest,” as WWE was claiming to be expanding women’s wrestling, while at the same time women were not being allowed to wrestle on their shows in Saudi Arabia.

These comments have resurfaced in recent weeks after it was confirmed that Lita will be taking on Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch at Elimination Chamber in the Kingdom.

During the most recent edition of Ring The Belle, the multi-time WWE Women’s Champion explained that things have changed since the early days of the partnership, and she has spoken to women who had appeared at the Saudi events about their positive impact.

“I was outspoken on the early relationship between WWE and Saudi. ‘They say they want women’s wrestling over there, I don’t know if I believe it, there are no women on this card.’ There are women on the card and I’ve talked to the women personally that have been over there and they are like, ‘it’s unbelievable. There are women crying, never thinking they would get to see two women be so strong in the ring. It’s really powerful, you’re going to enjoy that.’”

Lita also admitted there is still a long way to go, but said people have to take the opportunities that are presented.

“Sure, do they have a long way to go? Do we, as a society, have a long way to go? Absolutely. You have to take the opportunities when they are there.”

As well as the title clash between Lynch and Lita, there will also be a Women’s Elimination Chamber bout featuring Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Doudrop, Nikki A.S.H., Bianca Belair and a mystery sixth entrant. The winner will go on to face the Raw Women’s Champion at WrestleMania 38.

H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.