Kemo
05-10-2024, 01:10 AM
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could soon be hosting more events from WWE, according to Endeavor President Mark Shapiro.
The decade-long deal between the two sides began in 2018 during Vince McMahon's tenure running WWE. The deal currently sees WWE host two lucrative events a year in Saudi Arabia, often with the company's biggest stars as well as part-time performers.
When McMahon stepped down in January 2024, there had been speculation as to what this would mean for the often-controversial Saudi deal. While speaking on the TKO Q1 earnings call, Mark Shapiro, president of Endeavor, was quick to shut down the idea that Vince's exit had changed things in terms of the agreement.
"There was a lot of speculation with Vince being gone, ‘would that impact the relationship in a negative way? Would they be looking to get out of it?’ I would say that Nick Khan, in particular has developed, sustained, cultivated, and nurtured a very strong relationship in a handoff from Vince. They have a lot of trust and faith in each other."
Shapiro added that WWE could explore the idea of hosting more than two events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
"We have a strong and healthy relationship with the Kingdom, through WWE, and doing two annual events a year... Potentially, we could look to do more events, but nothing is planned beyond those two events at this time."
If WWE does plan to host more annual events in Saudi Arabia, then WrestleMania could be on the list. Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority hopes to bring WrestleMania to the country, as well as the Royal Rumble. They also have their sights set on UFC events that fall under the TKO banner. Nick Khan has however stated that currently, WrestleMania and other major events will stay in North America for the time being.
WWE King and Queen of the Ring takes place later this month on May 25 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Super Dome.
The decade-long deal between the two sides began in 2018 during Vince McMahon's tenure running WWE. The deal currently sees WWE host two lucrative events a year in Saudi Arabia, often with the company's biggest stars as well as part-time performers.
When McMahon stepped down in January 2024, there had been speculation as to what this would mean for the often-controversial Saudi deal. While speaking on the TKO Q1 earnings call, Mark Shapiro, president of Endeavor, was quick to shut down the idea that Vince's exit had changed things in terms of the agreement.
"There was a lot of speculation with Vince being gone, ‘would that impact the relationship in a negative way? Would they be looking to get out of it?’ I would say that Nick Khan, in particular has developed, sustained, cultivated, and nurtured a very strong relationship in a handoff from Vince. They have a lot of trust and faith in each other."
Shapiro added that WWE could explore the idea of hosting more than two events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
"We have a strong and healthy relationship with the Kingdom, through WWE, and doing two annual events a year... Potentially, we could look to do more events, but nothing is planned beyond those two events at this time."
If WWE does plan to host more annual events in Saudi Arabia, then WrestleMania could be on the list. Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority hopes to bring WrestleMania to the country, as well as the Royal Rumble. They also have their sights set on UFC events that fall under the TKO banner. Nick Khan has however stated that currently, WrestleMania and other major events will stay in North America for the time being.
WWE King and Queen of the Ring takes place later this month on May 25 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Super Dome.