According to a new report by CNN on Monday, the Saudis are currently preparing a report that will acknowledge the death of Saudi national and United States resident/Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The report, according to two sources, will admit that Khashoggi’s death was the result of an interrogation “that went wrong” and one that was intended to lead to his abduction from Turkey. The same report is also expected to indicate that it was carried out “without clearance and transparency and that those involved will be held responsible.”
Khashoggi was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in Turkey on October 2. As reported earlier, Turkish authorities told the Washington Post they have audio recordings proving Khashoggi was “killed and dismembered at the behest of the Saudi government ” inside the consulate, noting he was detained by a Saudi security team upon entering.
WWE has received media backlash since this past weekend for continuing to go forward with the upcoming Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on November 2. Any advertising for the event on WWE.com is no longer listing any references to the country of Saudi Arabia at the time of this report.
When reached for comment on Monday, a WWE representative informed Wrestleview.com that they are sticking with the same statement issued over the weekend, which stated the company was continuing to monitor the ongoing situation in Saudi Arabia.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Endeavor Content is set to pull out of its $400 million deal with Saudi Arabia in the wake of Khashoggi’s disappearance.
“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” on HBO did a segment profiling the situation currently in Saudi Arabia, including WWE’s current relationship with the country.
WWE is pushing two World Cup qualifying matches for RAW tonight, promoting that the tournament will take place in three weeks at Crown Jewel.
So, as of now, it would appear WWE has no plans of canceling the event or relocating based on recent statements in the last few days.