Cody Rhodes spoke out regarding WWE’s ongoing partnership with Saudi Arabia amid ongoing controversy. The agreement has faced intense scrutiny due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, treatment of the LGBTQ community, accusations of sportswashing, and political tensions following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite calls on social media to postpone the Night of Champions event or withdraw WWE staff from Saudi Arabia, the company proceeded with the scheduled show as planned.
Rhodes Comments on the Challenges of Political Divisions in WWE’s Global Reach
In an interview with the Boston Herald, Rhodes criticized the prevalent “gotcha culture” surrounding politics, emphasizing WWE’s mission to unite fans around the world. He stressed that political affiliations and ideologies should not interfere with WWE’s global entertainment platform.
“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.” —Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Rhodes reaffirmed that WWE operates as a non-partisan brand, performing wherever the audience demands, including Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the deep connection shared by fans internationally, regardless of geography or political climate.
“WWE is a non-partisan brand. We go where the show goes,” he stated. “One of the biggest eye-opening moments when you go to Saudi Arabia with WWE is when you look out at the fans… 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.” —Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
King of the Ring Title and Future WWE Championship Opportunities
At Night of Champions, Cody Rhodes secured a victory over Randy Orton to claim the King of the Ring tournament crown. This win earned Rhodes a future rematch against John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. For Orton, this marked his second consecutive defeat in the tournament final, having lost to Gunther in 2024.
Current WWE Headlines and Developments
WWE continues to witness high-profile moments and controversies beyond the Saudi Arabia deal. Cody Rhodes recently stirred debate within the WWE fanbase due to a contentious tweet. Meanwhile, Jelly Roll’s performance on WWE SmackDown was disrupted by Logan Paul, escalating tensions. Jade Cargill has received a stern warning from another top WWE star, signaling potential rivalry. Addition of a major WWE star at Saturday night’s main event and Aleister Black’s intense attack on a former World Champion highlight the company’s dynamic storylines. John Cena’s return to WWE TV was officially announced following his victory over CM Punk at Night of Champions, further energizing the brand.
AEW Impact and WWE’s Internal Recognitions
Outside WWE, notable wrestling news includes Hangman Adam Page ending Jon Moxley’s reign as AEW World Champion in an exceptionally brutal showdown. Within WWE, Charlotte Flair advocated for the inclusion of another talent as the promotion’s fifth Horsewoman, underscoring ongoing recognition of rising stars within the company.
The Significance of WWE’s Continued International Presence
Cody Rhodes’ defense of the WWE Saudi Arabia partnership underscores the company‘s commitment to maintaining a global presence despite political and ethical challenges. By continuing to bring WWE shows to various international locations, including Saudi Arabia, WWE aims to connect diverse audiences through entertainment. Rhodes’ remarks reveal the intent to separate entertainment from political disputes, highlighting how WWE views itself as a unifying force rather than a participant in geopolitical controversies.
Looking ahead, WWE’s decisions regarding international partnerships will likely remain under scrutiny, balancing business interests with the evolving global socio-political landscape. Fans and critics alike will watch closely to see how WWE navigates these challenges while advancing in-ring storylines and expanding its worldwide fanbase.
