The World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE, has said that it would hold its first women’s wrestling matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to a video report by CNN, the company’s decision to hold the matches in the kingdom stemmed from a wide-ranging criticism it had been receiving for not including women wrestlers in previous Saudi events.
“The WWE has held several events in the kingdom since 2014 and has struck a 10-year deal with the Saudi government in 2018,” the company said.
Recall that the Kingdom had been trying to diversify its economy and promote culture and entertainment initiatives with its “vision 2030” plan.
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The Kingdom had, however, been under global scrutiny for limiting women’s rights, LGBTQ rights and freedom of speech.
A professional wrestler and enthusiast of the WWE, Natalya Neidhart, said: “I can’t believe I’m going to be part of this history.
“I’m so excited for our WWE fans in Saudi and around the world.
“I’m also excited for women around the world. It’s just transcending,” she added.
