Despite significant political tensions in the Middle East, WWE’s event in Saudi Arabia, "Holdings of Champions," faced considerable backlash. Cody Rhodes has stepped up to defend the company’s decision to hold the show there, emphasizing their responsibility to their international audience.
In an interview with the Boston Herald, Rhodes highlighted that WWE must cater to its global fanbase, regardless of political issues. He addressed the current trend of mixing politics with everything and criticized the "gotcha culture" surrounding political affiliations, stating that such matters shouldn’t dictate WWE’s actions. According to Rhodes, WWE’s mission is simply to bring people together through entertainment, wherever the company decides to conduct its shows.
Rhodes described WWE as a nonpartisan entity that aims to entertain fans regardless of political climates. He shared how powerful it is to witness Saudi fans’ enthusiasm, which mirrors the passion found among fans in the United States and Europe. He expressed pride in performing for people worldwide, especially in uncertain times.
He stated, "WWE is a nonpartisan brand. You’ll go where the show goes. One of the biggest eye-opening moments when you go to Saudi Arabia with WWE is seeing how much fans there crave WWE, just like fans anywhere else in the world."
Last month, several WWE staff were stranded at Doha airport in Qatar amid a Middle Eastern conflict. Rhodes gave a solid rationale behind WWE’s global travels, though debates about the appropriateness of hosting events in Saudi Arabia continue.
WWE is balancing lucrative international deals with loyal fans’ concerns and complex political landscapes. Whether fans’ opinions will shift over time remains to be seen.
Do you support Cody Rhodes’ view that WWE should entertain fans everywhere, or do you think WWE should avoid politically controversial countries? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Fan Take: This debate highlights a critical crossroads for WWE—balancing business opportunities with ethical considerations. How WWE navigates this will impact its global reputation and shape the future connection between the sport and its diverse, worldwide fanbase.
