WWE Faces Backlash Over Female Wrestlers’ Beach Photos Amid Saudi Arabia Controversy
The WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia’s entertainment authority has once again stirred controversy, particularly regarding the attire of female wrestlers. Despite strict local regulations requiring women to be fully covered, recent viral photos showed WWE stars like Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill in bikinis on Oia Beach in Jeddah. This apparent contradiction has left fans bewildered and sparked heated debates.
The relationship between WWE and Saudi Arabia has been contentious since it began in 2018. The initial backlash was due to the kingdom’s restrictive laws and cultural norms that severely limit women’s rights and freedoms. Female WWE wrestlers were conspicuously absent from the first few events in Saudi Arabia, a stark contrast to WWE’s progressive image in the United States, where female wrestlers are celebrated and prominently featured.
In response to the criticism, WWE began including female wrestlers in its Saudi events. The first women’s match in Saudi Arabia took place in 2019, featuring Natalya and Lacey Evans. This match was a significant milestone but also underscored the ongoing challenges female performers face in the region. Both Natalya and Evans had to wear conservative, full-body outfits, a requirement that has persisted in subsequent events.
Leading up to the recent Premium Live Event (PLE), King & Queen of the Ring, female wrestlers were again seen in conservative attire during their performances on SmackDown. However, the viral photos that caused a stir were taken at a private beach, where different rules apply. In Saudi Arabia, such attire would not be permitted on public beaches, but private beach resorts offer more relaxed regulations, allowing women to wear swimsuits without violating local customs.
WWE Superstars are having fun in the sun at Oia Beach in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia ahead of #SmackDown & #WWEKingAndQueen! pic.twitter.com/rGv242xQxu
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2024
WWE and its personnel were accommodated at the Oia Beach Resort during their stay in Saudi Arabia. This arrangement allowed the female wrestlers to enjoy the beach without the risk of repercussions that might affect their participation in the PLE. Despite the precautions taken, the viral images led to widespread discussion and criticism, reflecting the ongoing tension between WWE’s global brand and the cultural norms of its Saudi partner.
The controversy did not end with the beach photos. The King & Queen of the Ring tournament results also sparked fan outrage. Nia Jax and Gunther emerged as the winners, but many fans were displeased with the outcomes. Jax’s victory over Lyra Valkyria was particularly contentious, as Valkyria had been a fan favorite and her loss was seen as a missed opportunity to elevate a rising star. Jax, a well-established figure in WWE, did not need the win to boost her career, according to many fans.
Randy Orton’s defeat to Gunther also drew significant criticism. The match was grueling, but Orton’s shoulders were clearly off the mat during the pin, leading fans to argue that the win should not have been counted as a clean victory for Gunther. The decisions left many fans frustrated and vocal on social media, questioning the booking choices and expressing their dissatisfaction with the overall event.
The contrasting images of WWE’s female talent on the beach and their in-ring appearances highlight the complex interplay between WWE’s global entertainment ambitions and the cultural sensitivities of its host country. While the beach photos were taken in a private setting, allowing for more relaxed dress codes, they nonetheless sparked debate about the appropriateness and consistency of WWE’s policies regarding its female performers.
