How? Controversy over WWE’s working relationship with Saudi Arabia continuesA former WWE executive takes people behind the scenes on how the relationship developed. On appearance “My World” Former WWE Co-President George Barrios told a long story to Conrad Thompson and Jeff Jarrett about how The WWE-Saudi Arabia partnership became official even after the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018..
According to Barrios, Vince McMahon strongly considered backing out, fearing the relationship would kill the company, but ultimately decided to stay the course. Because everyone is reluctant to negotiate with the Saudi government in person, it was Barrios who was eventually sent in, leading to what Barrios called “the most unique business meeting I’ve ever been to.”
“The first is that we have to start at 7 p.m.,” Barrios said. “We don’t start until 11:00 p.m.… We drive in, we drive into this complex, it’s pitch black. (We) go out, there are guards everywhere with machine guns. We come in here, it’s almost like a mankawa. With one of the oldest princes in the kingdom, who is boxer with a hookah.
“And the meeting starts with him yelling at me because he thinks we’re a bit greedy about the terms of the deal. And I go into this side room to seal the deal with his number two guy. Me and a couple of my boys, younger boys, and them, and it’s a little room with lots of nice sofas and couches and guards. I’m like “Oh man, I’m coming out in one of those boxes at the end of this thing.”
Barrios is positive about WWE’s continued relationship with Saudi Arabia
Barrios would walk out of the match alive, the deal between WWE and Saudi Arabia ended and continues to this day, even after Barrios and McMahon left. Although he acknowledged that people have different views and that some may see him as an apologist, Barrios believes that the deal has allowed both Saudi Arabia and WWE to flourish, that Saudi Arabia has been right in their Vision 2030 goals, and that WWE’s decision to continue the relationship in 2018 is something he can be proud of.
“I still believe … I think history proves right that what they laid out in their vision for the country in 2030, they are moving towards it,” Barrios said. “And actually, the country is very different today than it was then. So I can look back on the decision with pride, not just the business implications, but I think it was the right thing to do. Someone will say “Eh, you’re just saying that to make yourself feel better.” OK. That’s how I feel.”
If you cite this article, please credit “My World with Jeff Jarrett” and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
