Renee Paquette Praises Saudi Arabia Shows, WWE Fans Returning

The WWE shows from Sadie Arabia have not been received well, but Renee Paquette was there and she was fine. Also, it looks like fans will be back in about two months.

Renee Paquette Praises Saudi Arabia Shows

In recent years, WWE has been holding events in Saudi Arabia. It is part a lengthy deal they made with the leaders of the Middle Eastern country.

Of course, the relationship has not been the best. Several wrestlers have been vocal how they do not support the beliefs in Saudi Arabia and will no work the shows.

Two of the biggest names to decline the invitation are John Cena and Daniel Bryan. Others have also spoken about concerns, with focus on they treat women.

Well, WWE has been trying to change that perception. They held the first women’s match on TV and even had Renee Paquette (formerly Renee Young) make the trip as part of the commentary table.

Paquette spoke to Wrestling Inc. Daily, where she gave her opinion on deal. Overall, she seems happy with what WWE is doing.

“There’s nothing better than just being able to experience another part of the world, and experience how other people live and see the way these other women are living and see how quickly things are honestly really progressing over there,” said Paquette. “As much as they’re behind us here obviously in the west, but seeing the stuff they’re able to do there [now].” 

“The fact that women were at the shows and going out shopping and just being out in the community doing stuff. I feel like everyone welcomed me with open arms.” 

“Just from the second I even got to the hotel to having people greeting us and being really excited. I had so many fans in Saudi Arabia that were just waiting for the WWE crew to show up.” 

“They were so happy to have a woman there. That made me feel really really good to be there and to be received like that.”

Jon Moxley Was With Renee Paquette In Saudi Arabia

She continued with a story on how Jon Moxley traveled with her, despite not being booked. He made the long trip because of the differences in culture.

“He flew over there with me because you hear of all the customs of like, ‘You can’t go anywhere without a man from your family.’ I just wasn’t sure what I was walking into customs wise, and adjusting to a new country and understanding what their rules and regulations were.” 

“Even in terms of what I’m supposed to wear, how I am supposed to conduct myself. Honestly though the whole experience was incredible.”

Since the pandemic, WWE has not been able to visit the country. They have cancelled a few shows, which will likely be made up.

Still, the shows have been met with mixed reaction. 

WWE Fans Returning

AEW is preparing to bring back full arenas in a matter of weeks. Now, WWE does not seem too far behind.

Mat Men Podcast reports that WWE is looking to hold live events again. They want to begin with shows between July 16 to 19.

If those dates are accurate, it seems like SmackDown will get he first crack of live fans with July 16. That would be followed by a weekend of non-televised shows and then RAW on July 19.

So far, the only show in a year with actual fans was WrestleMania 37. There has been talk of SummerSlam having fans, but we are still waiting on a location for the August card.