WWE Hall of Famer JBL recently spoke on the Something To Wrestle With podcast regarding the upcoming WrestleMania 43 event scheduled for Saudi Arabia in 2027. Despite significant criticism from fans opposed to the location, JBL firmly supported WWE’s decision, emphasizing that interaction with the country promotes positive change. The ongoing debate around WrestleMania 43 Saudi Arabia has sparked wide discussions on ethics and business in global sports entertainment.
Rejecting Fan Backlash and the Role of Moral Policing
JBL confronted the backlash from fans who have taken a strong moral stance against WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia. He argued that individuals acting as moral arbiters over an international company overlook the complexity of global engagement.
I can’t judge motives. So I don’t know their motive for why they’re doing it… I don’t know if it’s a selfish motive, as, hey, I just want to be heard. I’m a spoiled brat, or if I really believe this, and that’s my voice speaking out. So I don’t know where they’re coming from. I think it’s misguided. I don’t think, obviously, we’re not the moral police. And you say, Well, you can’t do business with this kind [of] country because of this, this, this, you can list that for pretty much any country, including ours, pretty easily. And so I get people want to have their voice heard. I 100% do not agree with that dissent at all.
– JBL, WWE Hall of Famer
He challenged the notion that WWE shouldn’t conduct business with certain nations due to their flaws, pointing out that almost every country has issues that could be criticized similarly, including the United States.
WWE’s Role in Cultural Change Within Saudi Arabia
JBL highlighted a significant moment from past WWE events in Saudi Arabia, when fans expressed support for the evolving social landscape during matches featuring female wrestlers. He related this to an overall trend of cultural exposure and progress facilitated by WWE’s presence.
When you had women over there for one of the first times in the Middle East countries, the fans, at one point, chanted, ‘This is change.’ And I think that’s important. I think it’s important to work with these countries… When you isolate these countries and don’t deal with them at all, it has shown historically that nothing changes, and all you do is impoverish an entire nation… When you send something like WWE over to Saudi Arabia… I think that’s something that opens up the world. And you see that when you see these kids’ eyes, you see that when you hear the fans chanting, this has changed. You see that when you see women wrestling.
– JBL, WWE Hall of Famer
This perspective underscores WWE’s belief that its events not only entertain but also foster social change, especially in countries with restrictive cultures.
Recognizing Global Imperfections and the Path Forward
While acknowledging that every nation has its problems, including the U.S., JBL reaffirmed his support for WWE’s continued collaboration with Saudi Arabia. He believes that fostering engagement, rather than isolation, offers the best chance for progress in the region.
WrestleMania 43 Saudi Arabia marks a critical moment in WWE’s global strategy, illustrating the complexities of operating within politically sensitive environments. As WWE continues to expand its international footprint, the conversation about ethics, influence, and cultural transformation is likely to persist, challenging fans and critics alike to reconsider how sports entertainment intersects with global issues.
