Logan Paul’s PRIME Logo Absent at King and Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia: Here’s the Inside Story
During an episode of WWE SmackDown in March, Logan Paul’s PRIME Hydration announced a groundbreaking partnership with WWE. This partnership was highlighted by the appearance of the PRIME logo on the wrestling mat, marking the first-ever in-ring sponsorship for WWE. This move sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike. Despite Randy Orton’s interruption of the initial reveal, the logo became a mainstay across several high-profile WWE events, including WrestleMania XL. However, fans were left puzzled when the PRIME logo was conspicuously absent during the King and Queen of the Ring PLE in Saudi Arabia.
So, what led to this surprising omission, especially given Logan Paul’s pivotal role at the event where he faced Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Universal title? Despite his usual antics involving brass knuckles, Paul’s bid for the title was thwarted by special guest ring announcer Ibrahim Al Hajjaj, adding a dramatic twist to the event.
The root of the issue lies in Saudi Arabia’s strict regulations regarding energy drinks. Back in 2014, Saudi Arabia implemented a comprehensive ban on the sale and advertisement of energy drinks. This ban extends to prohibiting sponsorship logos at any sporting, social, or cultural events. Although PRIME Hydration and PRIME Energy are technically different products, their association was sufficient for Saudi authorities to enforce the ban, resulting in the removal of the PRIME logo from the mat.
Logan Paul’s presence at the event, however, was not devoid of product placement. He was spotted holding a bottle of PRIME Hydration twice during his match – a green one upon his entrance and a blue one provided by his entourage later. This limited display was the maximum extent of promotion allowed by Saudi regulations. The distinction between PRIME Hydration, which does not contain caffeine, and PRIME Energy, which boasts 200 mg of caffeine, did not matter in the eyes of Saudi authorities. Their stringent stance on energy drinks deemed any association with such products potentially harmful.
The PRIME logo is not on the canvas for this event.#WWEKingAndQueen pic.twitter.com/VF3QSVc7s4
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 25, 2024
Despite these restrictions, Logan Paul’s popularity in Saudi Arabia remains undiminished. His vast fanbase in the region likely contributed to his prominent positioning at the event. Paul, who transitioned from a high-profile YouTube career to professional wrestling, has consistently drawn significant attention. His prior match against Roman Reigns in 2019, where he also vied for the title, further solidified his appeal. Although Paul has yet to secure a championship victory, his rapid rise to main event status underscores his considerable drawing power.
The controversy surrounding the missing PRIME logo has led to speculation about future matches. With Ibrahim Al Hajjaj’s involvement in Paul’s recent defeat, a rematch could be on the horizon. The upcoming WWE PLE, Clash at the Castle: Scotland, scheduled for June, might see these tensions unfold further. Fans are left to wonder how this incident will impact future partnerships and sponsorships involving energy drink brands in regions with strict advertising laws.
