Saudi Arabia’s Influence on WWE’s 2023 Event Plans

One big thing

WWE reportedly altered its 2023 Saudi Arabia event plans due to “insistence” from its Saudi partners, transforming the planned King and Queen of the Ring tournament into Night of Champions.

The details

• Former WWE host Matt Camp revealed this information on The Wrestling Matt podcast.
• The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments were postponed to 2024.
• Saudi partners reportedly felt the original plan wasn’t “big enough.”
• Night of Champions featured Seth Rollins winning the World Heavyweight Championship.

Why it matters

This revelation highlights the significant influence WWE’s Saudi Arabian partners have on the company’s event planning and content decisions for shows in the region.

By the numbers

• The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments eventually took place in 2024.
• GUNTHER won the 2024 King of the Ring.
• Nia Jax claimed the 2024 Queen of the Ring title.

Behind the scenes

Camp shared additional insights into Saudi Arabia’s influence on WWE events:

• For the Greatest Royal Rumble, Saudi partners reportedly requested deceased wrestlers to participate.
• WWE had to pivot when they couldn’t secure certain talent, like Yokozuna.
• There’s speculation about the creation of a Saudi Arabia-exclusive “Crown Jewel Championship.”

The big question

How do you feel about Saudi Arabia’s influence on WWE’s event planning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.