Major update on WWE's current deal with Saudi Arabia ahead of Crown Jewel - Reports
There has been an update regarding WWE's deal with Saudi Arabia ahead of Crown Jewel 2024. The premium live event will air live in Jeddah on November 2.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select responded to some questions from fans on the Fightful Weekly Q&A Podcast. Sapp was asked how long the promotion's deal was with Saudi Arabia, and he provided an interesting update. He noted that the company's current deal runs through 2027 and is for two shows a year.
Sapp also shared that he hadn't heard of those involved in the promotion's deal with Saudi Arabia having input into creative decisions, but they have had some influence on legends returning to the ring, such as Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker in the past.
Triple H introduced the Crown Jewel Championships earlier this month at Bad Blood. World Heavyweight Champion Gunther will be squaring off against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at the premium live event. Women's World Champion Liv Morgan is scheduled to battle WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax at Crown Jewel next month as well. The winners of the matches will become Crown Jewel Champions.
Vince Russo criticizes WWE for introducing Crown Jewel Championships
Wrestling veteran Vince Russo recently criticized the company for introducing the Crown Jewel Championships ahead of the premium live event next month.
Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling's BroDown Live, Russo suggested that Saudi Arabia may have paid the company 10 million dollars to introduce the new titles. The legend claimed that the championships were ridiculous and impossible for fans to care about.
"Here's the thing. You and I both know. What did Saudi Arabia pay for that ridiculous belt? We're talking, I'm telling you, bro, we're probably 10 million dollars. To have a Crown Jewel Champion, they probably paid 10 million dollars for that. So you can't blame WWE. If they're gonna offer you crazy stupid money, take the crazy stupid money. But you can't expect the fans to care about that," he said.
Goldberg appeared at Bad Blood last weekend and confronted World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. It will be interesting to see if the promotion has any surprises planned for Crown Jewel next month.