WWE’s Saudi Arabia pay-per-views have been a hot topic for many years, stirring debate among fans and industry insiders alike. Among those raising concerns is WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff, who recently elaborated on the issues he sees with these shows on his podcast, “83 Weeks.” Bischoff’s main contention lies in the disruption these events cause to WWE’s creative storytelling.
“Another layer, which I’ve seen consistently since Saudi started becoming [a thing] — the creative leading to it just doesn’t seem to have the same pizazz,” Bischoff explained. “It’s just not quite as compelling; still compelling, but it doesn’t feel as focused.”
The interference in WWE’s creative process, according to Bischoff, is largely due to the specific demands from Saudi officials, which date back to his tenure with WWE in 2019. He noted that while he wasn’t directly involved in the discussions, he was informed by key figures, including Vince McMahon, that the Saudi officials had a particular wish list for the events. This list often dictated which superstars would perform, leading to significant adjustments in the storyline.
“I was never part of the conversation, but led to believe from people who were — Vince [McMahon] for one, and others — that the Saudis had a particular wish list as well,” Bischoff recalled. This, in turn, led to some top stars opting out of the events, which further disrupted ongoing storylines.
One notable impact of these demands is the inclusion of celebrities and part-timers who may not be involved in the regular programming. Bischoff pointed out that Logan Paul, for instance, has likely become a requested star by the Saudi officials. This would explain why Paul headlined the King and Queen of the Ring event against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. While Paul’s involvement brings significant business opportunities, it often sidelines regular talent and disrupts the flow of ongoing narratives.
“If you take your wrestling hat off, especially wrestling fan hat, and put on your business hat, there’s probably a list of reasons why this [Rhodes vs. Paul] makes so much sense,” Bischoff noted, acknowledging the financial benefits that come with Paul’s presence at such high-profile events.
The controversy surrounding WWE’s Saudi shows is not new. Since the first event in 2018, fans and critics have voiced concerns over everything from the ethical implications to the logistical challenges. The infamous flight delay after Crown Jewel 2019, which left many stars feeling stranded, only added to the skepticism. Despite these issues, the lucrative deals with the Saudi government have ensured that these events remain a fixture on WWE’s calendar.
Bischoff’s comments highlight a crucial aspect of this ongoing debate: the balance between business interests and creative integrity. While the financial gains from the Saudi shows are undeniable, the cost to WWE’s storytelling and overall product is something that cannot be ignored. As WWE continues to navigate this complex relationship, it remains to be seen how they will address these creative disruptions moving forward.
