As if WWE didn’t get enough flak from fans for the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia, now Al Qaeda has criticized the flamboyant WrestleMania-esque display. The Islamist terrorist group sent a warning to Saudi King Mohammad bin Salman warning him about his attempts at progress and “sinful projects”.
via The Independent:
Of particular ire to al-Qaeda, however, appears to be a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) event in the Saudi city of Jeddah which took place in April.
“[Foreign] disbelieving wrestlers exposed their privates and on most of them was the sign of the cross, in front of a mixed gathering of young Muslim men and women,”
WWE coming to Saudi Arabia is part of the country’s efforts at modernization. Movie theatres, concerts, and other events previously banned by the religiously strict country are now allowed in limited forms.
WWE vs Religion
WWE got into big trouble with the infamous Muhammad Hassan storyline. The story featured a Muslim wrestler slowly becoming radicalized due to racism and stereotyping by fans and other wrestlers.
Vince McMahon also caused an uproar among all monotheists when he and Shane faced (and beat) God in a match.
WWE has yet to respond to these claims. I don’t think they will. WWE isn’t one to bow to terrorist demands.
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