The WWE is still talking as though its Crown Jewel pay-per-view will take place in Riyadh on Nov. 2, though the company is being careful not to mention Saudi Arabia while promoting the show. (Image: WWE)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWorld Wrestling Entertainment is still planning to host a pay-per-view event called Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Nov. 2, despite the backlash that has come their way since the disappearance of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey earlier this month.<\/p>\n
Turkish authorities say they have audio proof that Saudi agents killed and dismembered Khashoggi, allegations that have led to international outrage and a renewed global criticism of Saudi Arabia\u2019s record on human rights.<\/p>\n
WWE in 10-Year Deal with Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/h2>\nThat has led to pressure on businesses to distance themselves from the nation, at least temporarily. That includes the WWE, which is at the start of a lucrative 10-year contract with the country that could be netting the wrestling promotion as much as $50 million per show.<\/p>\n
The first event in the deal, Greatest Royal Rumble, took place on April 27 in Jeddah. It drew an announced crowd of 60,000 and was apparently well received locally, with a couple of caveats: there were no female performers, and Saudi Arabia\u2019s General Sport Authority had to apologize for a promotional video during the show that featured wrestlers from the women\u2019s division of the WWE roster.<\/p>\n
That show and the overall deal raised a few eyebrows, but didn\u2019t cause any serious criticism for the company at the time. But the Khashoggi disappearance has caused many people to take a second look at the WWE\u2019s relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
In statements to the media, WWE officials have only said that they are \u201cmonitoring the situation.\u201d On television, the company has tried promoting Crown Jewel without mentioning where it will take place. Despite this, fan reaction has been negative: by Tuesday night\u2019s airing of Smackdown, a mention of Crown Jewel from WWE superstar The Undertaker received audible boos from the audience.<\/p>\n