Can we just get over WWE going to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel already?

Look, I’m the first one to oppose WWE going to Saudi Arabia right now. I’ve actually written two columns on the subject. However, the fact of the matter is that WWE is sticking to its plans, and the company believes it’s safe enough to go ahead with the event.

The thing is, other combat sports events are taking place in Saudi Arabia before WWE gets there, so where is the outrage from those fans? I haven’t seen boxing fans expressing outrage on social media about this weekend’s card going ahead, yet everyone involved in that event faces the same potential risks as WWE’s staff and wrestlers.

UFC is also going to Saudi Arabia around the same time as WWE, yet you don’t see UFC fans expressing the same outrage over the company going there, even though those involved face similar risks.

So why are wrestling fans so outraged? TKO is doing what other companies are doing and making what it believes is the best business decision. One thing we don’t discuss enough about TKO is that the company is focused on making money right now so it can pay off the huge debt it took on when it acquired WWE a few years ago. The money generated by hosting a UFC card and WWE Crown Jewel will contribute to that effort while also improving the company’s financial results for shareholders, which is what any publicly traded company wants.

In the end, do I agree with TKO potentially putting people in danger by going ahead with both events? No. However, I also believe the company wouldn’t go to Saudi Arabia without having plans in place to protect everyone’s safety. The fact that wrestlers can still decide whether they want to go or not, as CM Punk and Kevin Owens reportedly declined to travel, resulting in their match being moved to SmackDown, suggests that WWE is giving its talent some say in the matter.

So can we just move on and stop complaining about this already? The event is going ahead as planned unless the Saudi government cancels Riyadh Season, which clearly isn’t happening. Unless something happens to those involved in this weekend’s boxing event, we’re likely getting Crown Jewel in Riyadh next weekend.

After that, the decision is ours. If you’re so outraged by WWE going to Saudi Arabia, don’t watch the show. If you’re not, just enjoy it like most fans will and move on. The event will go ahead regardless of whether the IWC likes it or not, so we might as well accept that, just as fans of boxing and UFC have.