WWE Hall of Famer JBL has come to the defense of WWE’s ongoing partnership with Saudi Arabia, firing back at critics who question the company’s relationship with the kingdom and its commitment to talent safety.
Speaking on the Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL dismissed growing concerns from fans on social media about WWE holding events in the region amid rising geopolitical tensions. Some pointed to recent military conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which led to airspace closures in Qatar and delayed travel for WWE production crew.
“That war was 1,000-plus miles away,” JBL said. “You’re not anywhere near this freaking war zone. It’s like shutting down Austria because there’s a war in Ukraine… I don’t have any issue whatsoever with them going to Saudi Arabia.”
JBL continued, calling the criticism of WWE’s moral decisions hypocritical and selective:
“If you want to put a moral test on whoever you work for or work with, you’re going to be like some religious purist. You can’t put morals, your morals on somebody else… It just takes away—you’re just being some a–hole purist that thinks they’re better than everybody else.”
Since 2018, WWE’s events in Saudi Arabia have sparked polarizing reactions from fans, media, and even talent. However, JBL made it clear that in his eyes, the company’s global reach and success should be celebrated—not condemned.
“The world’s enjoying themselves. Either come along for the ride or go somewhere else.”
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more WWE news and updates.
(h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription)
