Cody Rhodes has defended WWE’s ongoing series of events in Saudi Arabia, describing the shows as a service to the company’s fans in that region.
“That is a responsibility to our fan base,” he said of the events. He also labelled WWE a “non-partisan brand.”
His comments were made during an interview with Justin Barrasso of the Boston Herald.
Rhodes addressed criticism of the events by pointing to what he called a “gotcha culture” around political affiliations.
I don’t want to be negative, but I will say there is this whole ‘gotcha culture’ over who is a Democrat, who is a Republican, who is a moderate, and who people support.
None of these things really should be anybody’s business – because our business is going where our show goes, which is all over the world, and hopefully bringing people together.
He added:
WWE is a non-partisan brand. We go where the show goes. One of the biggest eye-opening moments when you go to Saudi Arabia with WWE is when you look out at the fans at the show… there is such a similarity between those who are hungry for WWE back home and those who are hungry for it in Europe and those who are so hungry for it all over the world. I feel so honored, especially in tumultuous times, to be able to go.
WWE’s events in Saudi Arabia are part of a long-term strategic partnership with the regime’s General Entertainment Authority. The deal was first signed in 2018.
The agreement provides for at least two large-scale events per year and is worth approximately $50 million to WWE for each show.
