The first time women's wrestling was permitted in Saudi Arabia
In short: In 2019, WWE broke a long-standing cultural barrier in Riyadh. While female wrestlers were previously banned from performing in the country due to limited rights, a special exception was made for one specific match, leading to a historic first for the region's sports landscape.
The 2019 Crown Jewel event took place on October 31 at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh. It was a landmark moment for the promotion’s 10-year strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sport, aimed at supporting the 'Saudi Vision 2030' social and economic reform program. While women had been systematically excluded from WWE events in the country, a surprise announcement on October 30 revealed that Natalya and Lacey Evans would be permitted to compete.
To navigate local cultural sensitivities regarding women's rights, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon mandated specific attire requirements. Both wrestlers were required to wear full-body suits rather than their standard ring gear. Additionally, they wore shirts from the venue’s souvenir shops and the official WWE store. Despite these restrictions, the match proceeded as the first professional wrestling match featuring women in Saudi Arabia.
The event was a mix of high-profile crossovers and scripted drama. It featured appearances by Hulk Hogan and included matches involving professional boxer Tyson Fury and former UFC champion Cain Velasquez. Critics lauded certain portions, such as the 5-on-5 tag team contest involving Team Hogan and Team Flair, yet other parts were heavily criticised. However, the inclusion of the Natalya vs. Lacey Evans bout remains a significant historical footnote in the evolution of the promotion's international expansion.
This event was part of a broader effort to establish Crown Jewel as a recurring fixture in Riyadh. Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand returned in 2021, cementing its role as a primary vehicle for WWE's multiplatform partnership with the Saudi government.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Crown Jewel (2019)
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