Despite all of the controversy that they endured last year, all signs point to WWE returning to Saudi Arabia at least twice in 2019. WWE entered a 10-year partnership with the nation last year and it quickly became one of the most controversial deals that the company has ever agreed to. Fans have taken issue with the fact that the entire WWE women’s division are not allowed to compete on the shows in Saudi Arabia, and following the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last fall, several fans called on WWE to back out of their relationship with the country. However, The Greatest Royal Rumble and Crown Jewel events both took place as planned in Saudi Arabia last year, and they could be returning as early as this May.
The company may be going back to Saudi Arabia in just a few more weeks, but they could be working on a remedy for one of the most common criticisms fans have with their relationship with the nation. According to a new report from Fightful, there has been a major push lately from “several names of influence” to book a match on one of the shows in Saudi Arabia this year featuring female competitors. As of now, there is no news on if company officials will be going through with this pitch, but there are supposedly several in WWE who have proposed the idea. WWE’s Crown Jewel show did feature Renee Young on commentary, but a women’s match in Saudi Arabia would mark a major sign of progress in their partnership.
When WWE released Jim Johnston from the company in late 2017, it signaled the end of an era. For years, Johnston created music for WWE and is responsible for writing some of the most iconic entrance themes in the industry. Since leaving WWE, Johnston has mostly stayed away from pro wrestling, but that could all change in the near future. When speaking with the Total Engagement podcast on MLW radio, Johnston said that he is “absolutely” open to working as a music composer for All Elite Wrestling. Johnston did make an appearance at Starrcast last year, and he will be at the next event before AEW’s Double or Nothing show in late May. Johnston says that AEW President Tony Khan just has give him a call if he really wants to work with him.