WWE officials hoped that they could convince Saudi Arabia sports authority to have female wrestlers compete at their shows. Earlier this year, they almost thought of making this one a reality where female pro-wrestlers would perform in front of live Saudi audiences for the very first time. It would have been a telecasted instance to set an example.
Undertaker not performing at Crown Jewel
This is why they flew Natalya and Alexa Bliss to Saudi Arabia in June during the WWE Super ShowDown 2019 PPV event. They have high hopes that they could organize a singles matchup with the lineup of Natalya vs. Alexa Bliss only if the Saudi officials have agreed. But that did not turn out to be the case as the authority took slow and steady principle, regarding this.
5 regular names who won’t be at Crown Jewel
Going into the next Saudi Arabia show named Crown Jewel, there were similar hopes from the fans regarding the female superstars. They were hoping to see at least a match on the PPV card. But chances are pretty less to see the same, at this point.
A fan recently asked Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer if there’s any change in stance from the Saudi Arabia officials regarding the women’s superstars. As per the update given by the veteran wrestling journalist, it looks like there’s not going to be any change anytime soon. Here’s the negative update on this,
“Unless something changes, there are no women’s matches scheduled. It came down to the wire last time and they were told no at the end, after bringing Nattie and Alexa to Saudi Arabia.”
It does not come as a surprise as WWE has not built any storyline featuring the women superstars which could come to a culmination point. So there’s not going to be any changes in Crown Jewel in comparison to Super ShowDown. The overall fourth global show in Saudi Arabia will stay as another all-men PPV event. Brad Shepard recently noted that women will have to wait until next year to get a slot on Saudi Arabia shows,
“According to a source in WWE, the General Sports Authority (GSA) and WWE have reached a deal on women’s matches for future events in Saudi Arabia in 2020.
I’m told the deal was overseen by Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud himself.”
As for now, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley has turned heel and receive a new opponent in Nikki Cross. These two will square off in a match for the title which is yet to be declared. Meanwhile, they are likely to build up a rivalry. On the other hand, WWE Raw Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch is yet to receive an opponent over her title ever since Hell in a Cell PPV is over. Sasha Banks has moved to Friday nights leaving the number one contender’s spot empty.
