In his new book Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE recounting his time in the company, former co-president George Barrios explained the decision to continue WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Looking back on the early days of the partnership, in which WWE announced a ten-year deal with the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia beginning with the Greatest Royal Rumble, Barrios wrote:
Our negotiations dragged on because the Saudis are notorious hagglers. By 2018, despite having made great progress, we were struggling to get the deal over the finish line. Complicating matters was the disappearance of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi.
Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi was seen entering the Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey on October 2, 2018, but never exited.
The CIA later concluded that Khashoggi had been murdered on orders from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with sanctions imposed on seventeen other individuals in the process.
Looking back at the incident and its impact on the budding relationship, Barrios wrote:
As outraged as I was by what happened, I still defy anyone to argue they understand who was truly at fault. All I know is that on our end, Khashoggi’s disappearance called into question our deal with the Saudis.
Vince (McMahon), Michelle (Wilson), and I spent a great deal of time debating the pros and cons of moving forward. Vince in particular was deeply uncomfortable with the uncertainty surrounding the events. In my opinion, we couldn’t walk out on the deal. It was too worthwhile for WWE. But Vince kept shaking his head. ‘This thing with Khashoggi. Doing the deal could be the biggest risk we’ve ever taken with the company.’
‘Vince, listen to me,’ I said. ‘I understand how serious this is. But no one really knows what’s going on.’
Barrios joined WWE in 2008, eventually becoming co-president alongside Michelle Wilson before the two were let go in January 2020.
WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia has since expanded, with the 2026 edition of the Royal Rumble and the upcoming WrestleMania 43 emanating from Riyadh.
Source: F4WOnline