WWE Continues to Break Barries Despite Criticism for Saudi Arabia Deal

WWE Continues to Break Barries Despite Criticism for Saudi Arabia Deal

There were a couple of achievements for the female talent associated with the WWE at Crown Jewel whether it be the female officials Aja Smith and Jessica Carr (on the left) or the photographer Heather McLaughlin (on the right).

WWE is known for bridging gaps. From using female talents only as eye candy to introducing an exclusive premium live event only for them, the Stamford-based promotion has come a long way in breaking barriers related to gender stereotypes.

A female employee associated with the company recently made history at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. Heather McLaughlin, a photographer with the company, became the first woman photographer to capture all the action in Saudi Arabia. McLaughlin covered the entire event at the Mrsool Park Stadium behind the lens from ringside.

CEO Stephanie McMahon took to Twitter to congratulate the female employees and talent present at Riyadh for Crown Jewel. This included Heather McLaughlin, Referees Aja Smith, Jessica Carr, and also the women superstars who fought on the show that night.

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The achievements come amid a lot of backlash for the Saudi deal, notably for the country’s restrictions and geopolitics. The deal has also received huge criticism because of Saudi Arabia’s women’s rights with The Wrestling Observer Newsletter giving it the “Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic” Award in both 2018 and 19.

However, WWE as a corporation is doing what’s right for its growth in a new market. As for Saudi Arabia, the WWE deal allows them to right the wrongs done in the past, and convey a friendly image to the world.

Heather and referees Aja Smith and Jessika Carr weren’t the only women who made history in Saudi Arabia. Asuka and Alexa Bliss vs Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky was the first-ever Women’s Tag Team Title match in the country. Bianca Belair and Bayley’s Last Woman Standing match was the first-ever stipulation women’s match in the country.

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Bianca Belair and Bayley made history at WWE Crown Jewel with their historic bout

Bianca Belair vs Bayley
Bianca Belair took on Bayley in a historic Last Woman Standing Match at Crown Jewel. (Image Credits – WWE)

The Last Woman Standing match between Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair and Bayley received massive praise, as both women tested their limits in a No-DQ environment. Ultimately, the ‘EST of WWE’ emerged victorious after trapping Bayley between a steel ladder.

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There is no denying, the company is making significant overtures towards women’s evolution in the conservative desert nation. While the first event in Saudi Arabia did not feature any women, the events following that has shown great promise. As the deal with Saudi goes on and as the relationship strengthens, expect women’s wrestling to gain prominence in the region. Who knows? We might actually witness a moment when a female wrestler from Saudi Arabia makes her WWE debut!

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