WWE’s decision to hold their Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia last month was met with controversy as their female Superstars were excluded from competing, all while WWE continue to tout their Women’s Evolution movement.
Some of the backlash continued when Saudi Arabia officials issued a public apology after an ad featuring female Superstars aired during the event.
During an interview with WrestleZone Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Lita commented on WWE’s business decision of hosting their Greatest Royal Rumble event at Saudi Arabia:
I understand that they are a business, a global business and they are always looking to expand their global presence. However, I do feel this was a direct conflict of interest with them maintaining any integrity or truth to the fact that they say they would like to push forward women, their roles and their reputations in this business as anything resembling equal to a male.
Stemming from Triple H’s previous comments of WWE hoping to bring women to compete in Saudi Arabia in the future, Lita added this:
Make the money, that’s fine, but don’t try to cover it up. Don’t say, “No, we are doing this because in the future we would like to help progress their culture forward!” No, you want the money, you’re a business and businesses make money. That’s okay. From my perspective over here, I don’t own your business so that’s your call. From a PR perspective don’t say you are doing it because, “We want to help progress that culture forward.” No, it’s a direct conflict of interest, in my opinion.
WWE will reportedly return to Saudi Arabia in November.
Do you agree with Lita’s POV? Let us know in the comments below!