#Riyadh Season
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hadi37 · 2 months ago
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khalmalki · 3 months ago
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اليوم الوطني السعودي 💚🇸🇦
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bgtem · 11 months ago
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Lionel Messi - Al Hilal
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salmankhanholics · 1 year ago
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★ Salman Khan and Cristiano Ronaldo at Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia!
-October 28, 2023
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reemtb · 11 months ago
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Nice to meet you at KingdomArena 🏟️
#AlHilal_InterMiami 💙💙
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zestingbloodorange · 1 year ago
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ok.
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realfightjunkie · 1 year ago
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Dmitrii Bivol {-4500} DEFEATS Lyndon Arthur {+1600} via 12 round DECISION. Will go 12 rounds {-150} & Bivol wins by decision {-135} hits!
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jabz-93 · 2 years ago
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Riyadh boulevard
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ayushsan · 2 years ago
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this match gave so much content yall😭 enjoyment lvl +999
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abdullah-photograph · 2 years ago
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اللي ما يعرف الصقر يشويه
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moaninmoonen · 13 days ago
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Fighter of the Night IMO: Oleksandr Usyk
Honourable mention: Tyson Fury
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hadi37 · 2 months ago
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zerihcom · 22 days ago
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Şimdi Bizi Nereye Göndereceksiniz Laik Zevat? “Yallah Arabistan’a” Sizlere Ömür!
4 minutes Yılmaz Çelik “Öz yurdunda garipsin, öz vatanında parya!” Şairin zamanında garipliğin hissiyatıyla söylediği bu dizeler, hayatımızda gün geçtikçe hem daha fazla anlam kazanıyor hem de karşılık buluyor. Gerçekten öyle değil mi? Asırlar boyunca İslâm’a yurt olmuş, İslâm’ın kültürüyle bezenmiş bu topraklarda İslâm’a göre yaşamak isteği garipsenir olmuştur. Bir asırdan fazla zamandır…
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charlieoxtoby · 2 months ago
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The Rise Of Riyadh Season For The Greater Good
Organisations can go so far while promoting themselves. Making sport for the better, despite controversy spewing out from spectators. From China hosting the 2008 Olympics to Qatar earning hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup. Here is how Riyadh Season have played a big part in Combat Sports.
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Saudi Arabia is well-known for its strong economy, mainly due to the country being one of the world's largest oil producers. Before Riyadh Season was founded, Saudi Arabia was rarely involved in sport due to the many laws that had to be followed.
One thing which badly represents the country is the the human rights violations that the government has been accused of. This includes the execution of political protesters who believe the death penalty should be abolished.
Women's rights is a big concern for the country as it is often seen as male dominant, making it a disgrace for the Saudi Arabian government in terms of gender equality and freedom.
Before the London 2012 Olympics, Saudi women athletes were not allowed to compete for the iconic Summer Olympics Games. Six years later, women would finally be allowed to attend sporting events in stadiums.
The first Saudi female representative for the 2012 London Olympics was Wojdan Shaherkani who competed in Judo.
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Credit: Martin Hesketh - Wikimedia Commons
This was all down to the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, as he wanted to refashion the Saudi society whilst boosting the economy.
It it understandable as to why many events were never taken place in Saudi Arabia, mainly due to the controversial political moments from the country's history.
This would include the horrendous attacks of 9/11 in 2001 as well as their inclusion in the Gulf War.
The country does not have a positive look, especially when they are ranked as the country with the second highest for use of the death penalty.
With all of its controversies and political views, their could only be one way to repair the image of this country and that would be sportswashing.
Riyadh Season was founded in 2019 which originally showcased entertainment and cultural events.
Sport is a big part of most people's lives as so many people tune in to watch and listen to the likes of Football, Tennis and Cricket.
Boxing was arguably declining due to the competition with other sports as less people seemed less interested, which is why it was very clever of Riyadh Season to promote Boxing matches as not only was more money being invested in the events, but the popularity and viewership would look to boost back up.
It seemed very obvious and a cheap way to promote the country of Saudi Arabia as this is where Boxing matches would be hosted, allowing the country to get its reputation back.
On the plus side, it would bring some of the biggest fights in the globe as a lot of the time, negotiations of bouts fell through or stalled for so long due to not enough money being earned for a fight.
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Credit: Cergun62 - Wikimedia Commons
The first boxing bout from Riyadh Season which would take place was the fight billed as The Battle of the Baddest between WBC World Heavyweight Champion, Tyson Fury, and former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou.
What makes it better, especially for UK fans, is that the start time was appropriate as their ring walks would begin just before 11pm. Usually if a main event took place in England, ring walks would start around 10pm, so the slight time difference did not matter that much.
Two months after Fury vs Ngannou, Anthony Joshua would take on Otto Wallin in a Heavyweight bout at Riyadh which was billed as the Day of Reckoning.
Two of Britain's biggest Heavyweight fighters had been involved in Riyadh Season, but it just did not feel right as they their fights were not taking place in their own turf or territory. Plus, the atmosphere would not feel as exciting.
This would make it hard for fans to really show their support and enthusiasm as the likelihood of travelling to Saudi Arabia for a Boxing event is very rare as well as expensive.
Nevertheless, big money fights were taking place and were happening as Riyadh Season would gift Boxing fans with some incredible battles.
This included Anthony Joshua taking on Francis Ngannou in March 2024 with both men taking home a ridiculous amount of money regardless of the result.
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Credit: Mike Tyson - Wikimedia Commons
An undisputed Heavyweight title bout would finally take place between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk which did present a good show, full of entertainment, but once again UK fans would really miss The Gypsy King fighting in front of his home crowd.
Back in January 2023, boxing promoter, Bob Arum, aimed to try and get the Fury vs Usyk fight at Wembley Stadium, but the middle-east would have a significant amount of money to offer for the fight in Riyadh, leaving him with no real competition.
"It could go in the mid-east and if it doesn't go there it will be at Wembley Stadium. It's as simple as that." Arum said.
When asked about hosting the Heavyweight title bout at Wembley and giving the purses they want, Arum believed that there was not much he could do to persuade.
"Well, certainly what they deserve and what's involved. I obviously can't compete with the money that the middle-east is prepared to pay."
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Credit: Bryan Horowitz - Wikimedia Commons
British fans would still turn up to the fight but it would only be over 2,000, compared to the likes of Wembley where as many as 90,000 British fans could watch their Boxing hero.
The journey may not have been worth it after all though as Usyk would be victorious, winning by split decision.
Another undisputed title bout would also take place in the Light Heavyweight division as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol would face each other at the same stage in Riyadh.
Once again it would be a great event and showcased some brilliant fights, but it doesn't seem to have the same passion and energy from the crowd.
At this rate, the Kingdom Arena would be seen as a more prestigious place to host a big Boxing event compared to the likes of Wembley Stadium, even though the maximum capacity for the Kingdom Arena is 26,000.
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Credit: Charlie Oxtoby - Canva
In September 2024, Riyadh Season would make the decision to hold its first event in England which would be a Boxing event, headlining Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
This felt like prayers had been answered from UK fans as they could finally spectate their national heroes without having to travel to a different continent.
This would definitely boost their reputation and win the hearts and minds of the British people.
That would be the case until the main event was ready to begin as something rather irregular would occur before two British Heavyweights collided.
Before God Save The King was ready to be played, Michael Buffer would announce that the Saudi Arabia national anthem would be played in honour of Turki Alalshikh.
Alalshikh is the chairman of Saudi Arabai's General Entertainment authority and would invest a lot of money to make the event possible.
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Credit: Jumeirah and Cerde411 - Wikimedia Commons
There is no surprise that Brits were shocked and outraged by this, especially when the Saudi Arabia national anthem is not even sung at the Kingdom Arena if a boxing match takes place.
Traditionally, the national anthem is played depending on the boxers nationality, regardless of where the bout takes place.
The stadium lit up green to signify the colours of the Saudi flag as the national anthem was playing.
Frank Warren, founder of Queensbury promotions, could not understand why people were criticising over the Saudi Arabia national anthem being played.
The boxing promoter was questioned about the situation after the event had finished, believing that Riyadh Season played a big part.
"Whether you like it or not, it happened because of Riyadh Season and the input and the finance that they provided. I'm proud to have been involved in it." Warren said.
"We put the Saudi national anthem on for one reason. The reason is in the title of the show 'Riyadh Season'. Everywhere you went that was the advertising. That's what their paying for, to sell Riyadh Season, to bring the world's attention to Riyadh."
"They've chosen to do it in pretty fantastic boxing events and we played the national anthem because I wanted it played as well. That's why I wanted it there as well."
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It is a great sign of respect shown by Warren as it does give something back to the individuals involved in Riyadh Season.
With the comments he made, you could argue to say that he only said this to hope that Riyadh Season will locate more big boxing events to the UK.
Due to the rising of big headlining events in Riyadh, many people believe that Saudi Arabia is taking over Boxing and possibly taking it away from being a global sport for fans.
Bob Arum believed that boxing events, which were involved in Riyadh Season, will be less likely to venture outside of Saudi Arabia.
Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport, disagreed with Arum's comments after Riyadh Season's events in Los Angeles, Crawford vs Madrimov.
"Where is Bob Arum getting his information? Not from the source which is Turki Alalshikh." Hearn said.
"Riyadh Season: Los Angeles was incredibly successful. People talk about it lost money, because, it was sponsored, a brand project for Riyadh Season."
"One of the best fight cards in America. The stadium was packed, Eminem was performing, it was amazing." Hearn added.
The Dagenham-born boxing promoter continued to make his point clear when talking about the event at Wembley Stadium.
"In London, they broke all the [attendance] records, for Joshua against Dubois."
"Of course, Riyadh Season is in Riyadh, but every now and again I'm sure His Excellency [Alalshikh] will want to do an international event."
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Another case where a boxing promoter defends Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia, but just like for Warren, Hearn could be saying this to draw more Riyadh Season events to the UK or internationally.
Many of the Boxing community will not see eye-to-eye with Riyadh Season, due to the political side of Saudi Arabia. However, the country is improving its image through sport.
On 12 October, Saudi Arabia hosted its first-ever women's world title fight during the boxing event in the Kingdom Arena, Beterbiev vs Bivol, as Skye Nicolson and Raven Chapman made history in Riyadh.
Two years ago, Saudi Arabia would host its first women's boxing match between the Ramla Ali and Crystal Garcia Nova.
The good thing about this is that it does make the gender equality and freedom better for the country, making it less controversial, despite the laws and human rights.
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Credit: Charlie Oxtoby - Canva
Boxing has not been the only focus on Combat Sports for Riyadh Season as they have viewed a more exciting show of organised violence, MMA.
On 24 February, the first big MMA event to be hosted by Riyadh Season, in the Kingdom Arena, was PFL vs Bellator: Champs. This was after the Professional Fighters League had acquired Bellator MMA.
Again similar to Boxing, the event could be watched at an adequate time and showcased some incredible battles, but it still did not have the same passion from the crowd compared to USA, who are big fans of the sport.
It would not be long until the biggest MMA promotion, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), had landed their mark, hosting UFC Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.
The event seemed to be a total success, although, every bout on the fight card featured male fighters.
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Credit: Charlie Oxtoby - Canva
Comparing PFL vs Bellator: Champs that only included one female fight, which was the first female MMA bout in Saudi Arabia, making it seem that women may not have as much freedom as many would expect in the sport.
A few days after, Riyadh Season would be named as the title partner for UFC 306 at the Sphere, in Las Vegas. This event would be branded as Riyadh Season Noche UFC.
The PPV event would be focused for Mexican Independence Day which seems strange as to why Riyadh Season.
The event would be all about the history of Mexico in Combat Sports while talking about the Mexican War of Independence, something that Saudi Arabia have no involvement in.
During the press-conference at Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS), the UFC president made it clear that they will try and get more events sponsored by Riyadh Season in the United States.
"We wouldn't go to the Sphere, but we'll definitely do other things with them during their season." White said
"I've created a great relationship with him [Turki Alalshikh] over the last couple of months and I like him."
"We're going to do some stuff together." White added.
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There would be no surprise if countless UFC events would be taken place at Saudi Arabia, especially after most of the anticipating Boxing bouts have occurred in the Middle-East.
However, when someone is investing plenty of money into one event and making MMA more popular than Boxing, it seems worth it for the UFC.
Despite the confusion on why the sponsorship was made, it did turn out to be a really successful event.
UFC 306 would become the highest-grossing event in UFC history, as well as highest-single event in the Sphere, clearly showing how big of an impact Riyadh Season made on the event.
A positive point to make is that Saudi Arabia was never really promoted in any certain way such as, the national anthem being sung, or any visuals in the Sphere that were used to advertise the country.
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Credit: Charlie Oxtoby - Canva
It was just promoted through the title sponsorship and rebranding as any other ways of promotion would arguably cause a lot of backlash.
Because of little promotion for Saudi Arabia during the event, MMA fans would respect Riyadh Season for doing this, since UFC 306 was all about Mexican Independence Day, and so respect will have been gained for the country.
Of course the Boxing and MMA promoters are going to praise Turki Alalshikh as much as possible for the events that have been made, so Riyadh Season can sponsor the events and bring in more money for the sport.
In all fairness, it does keep an interesting rivalry of popularity over the two Combat Sports since Riyadh Season have taken over Boxing and are beginning to do the same in MMA.
Overall, Saudi Arabia make a good plan to promote their country by hosting some of the biggest sporting events in the world.
In terms of Combat Sports, fans will always be grateful when the biggest Boxing or MMA bouts have been made, although many will disagree about events taking place in Saudi Arabia as the country does not show as much excitement and passion compared to the likes of the UK and US.
The Riyadh Season will continue to takeover Combat Sports and gradually win the public opinion, as long as they keep showing the most interesting fights and not so much of what the country offers.
By Charlie Oxtoby
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salmankhanholics · 1 year ago
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★ Salman Khan at Riyadh Season!!
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-October 28, 2023
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maxtaylor5803 · 2 months ago
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From Oil Fields to Sports Fields: Saudi Arabia’s Power Over the Sporting World.
By Max Taylor
In the past five years, Saudi Arabia has become a major player on the global sports stage, going beyond it's traditions to embrace a new era of competition.  From hosting high profile events across the country such as Formula 1 races and international golf tournaments to investing heavily in the Saudi Pro League with household names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, the kingdom is redefining it's identity through sport. The country is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup making it the second time in 12 years the tournament has been held in the Middle East and makes the country one of the new homes for sport in the world.  
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(The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been investing in different sports in Saudi Arabia and also internationally) Credit: Joe Pompliano
The transformation not only reflects a strategic vison for the economy but also a massive cultural shift as the nation seeks to connect with a more broad and diverse audience across the world. Saudi Arabia is also gradually embracing a more westernized approach becoming more acceptant with different lifestyles and cultures to further their ambitions as a leading nation in sport.
Saudi Arabia located in the middle east has significant Islamic history as the birthplace of the religion. Saudi Arabia today still remains the central hub for Islam housing the two holiest cites for Muslims, Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia is also the world’s biggest oil exporter making them as country extortionary amounts of money.  
With Major events like Riyadh Season they have quickly become a celebration of culture and entertainment showcasing different events that highlight the country’s transformation. Over the past year the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh has started to get some of the best fights and events in combat sports history due to Riyadh Season and the backing of the Saudi government. The events have significantly boosted brand visibility and engagement, leading to lucrative partnerships as companies capitalize on the heightened interest in entertainment and tourism.
The events also offer Saudi Arabia to promote their own culture as the events attract international visitors and gives them an understanding of their culture. 
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest and develop its sports culture, boxing and other combat sports such as MMA and pro wrestling have emerged as a massive sport that take place at Riyadh Season attracting both international and local interest.
(Over a million people have visited Riyadh Season since its birth and has now become a massive part of the sporting world)
From the first big fight in 2018 when Antony Joshua fought Andy Ruiz Jnr to now you have seen impressive growth and stability thanks to Riyadh Season and the impressive cards it keeps producing. It almost seems as if everyone should be happy with what Saudi Arabia is doing for the country but is that the case?
Sports Washing and Soft Power
Saudi Arabia has come under huge criticism for its human rights record, with restrictions on freedom of speech or expression, gender inequality and extremely harsh punishments for dissent. Despite the ongoing international scrutiny, the Saudi government has implemented limited reforms while continuing to suppress political opposition and impose restrictions on civil liberties.
Human Rights advocates have argued that the lack of progress on the situation highlights a systemic disregard for individual freedom and is being overshadowed by the country’s alliances and economic interests.
The situation very much complicates international effects to promote human rights as many nations have economic ties and security partnerships to Saudi Arabia. There are also accusations of Hypocrisy towards foreign policy due to this.
As a result, many have called for a more robust and principled approach to engagement with Saudi Arabia urging governments to prioritize human rights in trade deals and agreements to try and foster a meaningful change in the kingdom.  
The kingdoms’ aggressive push for visibility on the global stage has raised massive concerns about sports washing, a tactic that’s been employed to improve the counties image whilst overshadowing its human rights issues. By investing in international sports such as Boxing, MMA and WWE to acquiring a stake in football club Newcastle United, Saudi Arabia aims to reshape its worldwide reputation and exert soft power, effectively diverting the attention away from their domestic problems.   
In a recent article posted on the guardian by Ruth Michaelson, it states that Saudi Arabia has spent £4.9bn in sports deals since early 2021 which was more than quadruple the amount spent over a 6-year period. 
Read the article Here
Other events have also attracted attention for sports washing and the Saudi Government exerting soft power and influence on the world.
Riyadh Season has expanded its brand internationally, highlighted by a major British title fight at Wembley Stadium where Antony Joshua faced Daniel Dubois earlier this year. Faced with major backlash from British press and British boxing fan alike the Saudi Arabia national anthem was sung before the main event.
Also, there was some backlash over the fact the people were handing out free programmes promoting Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Season. These Programmes contained Saudi tourism and Events and people didn’t feel it was right to be constantly handed and fed Saudi information.
Lucas Accardo who attended the event at Wembley Stadium said “You were constantly handed Saudi Propaganda when walking down Wembley way, Outside the Stadium and also inside”. “You could see people been forced to take it and then throwing it in the bin Which makes the whole process pointless though I don’t care about as we had a mega fight thanks to Saudi Arabia”. 
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(Accardo was in attendance at Wembley Stadium for the stacked Riyadh Season card) Credit: Lucas Accardo.
“Riyadh Season has totality reinvented boxing as we know it, we are now getting the best and biggest fights in the world and its all down to them”. “In the past year we have seen Tyson Fury vs Usyk a title unification match and a match that we wouldn’t have expected if it wasn’t for Riyadh season’  
He further added “the money that Riyadh season and the Saudi government are offering is definitely a factor in why we are getting the best fights now but let it carry on as I feel entertained and excited about what else is to come”
Accardo also commented on the fact the Saudi national anthem was played inside Wembley Stadium stating “If that’s what it takes to get the bests fights to happen in England I’m completely fine with it”.
This comes after comments made by Matchroom Chairmen Eddie Hearn commenting on the decision. Hearn commented after the backlash defending the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority and the chairman Turki Alalshikh who’s an advisor in the country’s royal court.
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When Speaking about Turki he said he was more than entitled to have the anthem played as a ‘sign of respect’. ‘He’s given British boxing, all the fighters, all the fans, the best night, he’s paid for it all.  
WWE is another company to commit a long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia hosting major Pay Per Views across the kingdom and showcasing its biggest stars in their stadiums. While featuring high profile matches with iconic wrestlers that the kingdom, WWE expand its global reach, showing cultural exchange and providing fans in the region with a quality live experience.
Over this last weekend WWE hosted a premium live event in the Kingdom known as Crown Jewel. This thrilling event saw all of WWE major talent fight in the country including Roman Reigns and WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes.
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(Cody Rhodes won his champion vs champion match against Gunther in Saudi Arabia Last Weekend).
There was also Women Fighting on the card showing Saudi Arabia progressing as previously women have been unable to fight on the card. Also, there were chants of WrestleMania (The Biggest WWE event) being screamed when Director Triple H was on stage leading to speculation that the event could take place in the Kingdom soon.  
WWE host Crown Jewel every year in Saudi Arabia that has become a massive feature on the Wresting Calendar in recent years but it didn’t start that way. The show which first took place in 2018 faced a number of challenges that nearly killed off its reputation. From Saudi officials asking for dead wrestlers to appear at the show tied with the controversy surrounding the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the show faced serious backlash.
The 2019 Broadcast of the show was abruptly cut after WWE and Saudi Arabia faced money disputes. After the Show WWE planes faced alleged ‘mechanical issues’ which meant they were unable to make it to the planned Smackdown Live show the following night but many on the scene reported that the planes were grounded by the Saudi government on purpose.  
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(The crown Prince pictured with ex WWE chairman Vince Mcmahon (Left) and WWE Chief Content Creator Triple H (Right) with the WWE Championship) Credit: Forbes.
In an article written by Fightful, a unnamed wrestler known as CW-2 due to lawsuits told them about how he and other wrestling legends such as Hulk Hogan and Rick Flair were told ‘Someone doesn’t want us to leave the country’ as they were left stranded on a place. He also went to add that that there was a ‘ton of guards blocking the exit’.
You can read the Fightful article Here
The Seriousness of this incident shows The Kingdoms power over companies and the damaging effect it can have on future shows as WWE had no one to wrestle for them the following night and had to use developmental talent to carry the SmackDown Live show the next night.
But, WWE have reignited their partnership with Saudi Arabia and now proceed to to make outstanding showcases in the kingdom gaining praise from fans internationally.
But as WWE in Saudi Arabia captures global attention, the excitement surrounding the Saudi Pro League is also gaining momentum, showcasing the country’s growing influence in sports.
Will the Pro League Rival the Prem?
The Saudi Pro League (Saudi top-flight football division) is experiencing a massive surge in investment, with billions of pounds being put into their football teams to attract some of the best names in the football enhancing the leagues infrastructure.
The league is committed to acquiring high profile players and coaches whilst the financial status of the country aims to promote Saudi Arabia as a significant player in world football. Over the past year greats of the game such as Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo have moved to the kingdom to play the game that they love and are receiving massive wage rises in their contracts even though they are both over the age of 30.
With a major financial backing and growing number of international stars, the Saudi Pro League could be poised to challenge the dominance of the Premier League and potentially transforming the global football landscape in the future.
Despite the lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, Many Footballers still aspire to play in Europe, driven by the prestige of the big leagues and the chance to showcase their talent on the biggest stage in the UEFA Champions league. This desire often stems from the competitive environment and rich history the competition has to offer.
However, the Saudi Pro League is rapidly growing and now gives good reasons why players may consider it seriously.
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(Players like Ronaldo get millions of pounds for posting on social media Look below).
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In an article by Rayhan Uddin for Middle eastern Eye, they discussed footballers making the move to Saudi. In this article, they presented a quote from Journalist Mostafa Mohamed.
Read Here.
‘For some Muslim players Approaching the twilight of their careers, the opportunity to experience and live in a Muslim nation is an attraction’   
This article came after the ballon d’or winner at the time and also someone who practices Islam Karim Benzema moved to Pro League when he signed for Al-Ittihad and promotes the nation saying he’s planning to learn Arabic.
But will the Saudi Pro League ever rival the Premier League? The answer is yes potentially considering the amount of money being invested into the league and the fact that teams in the Pro League are gaining worldwide recantation due to the stars the teams have.
What’s the next steps for the Kingdom?
The 2034 world cup is set to take place in the kingdom allegedly beating Australia to host the biggest competition in the world. With Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and also rules about relationships with people from the same sex, drinking alcohol and also freedom of speech, the question should be how have they got it and should they host it?
But like the previous World Cups in Qatar who have similar human rights issues and Russia who are now currently at war with neighboring country Ukraine, FIFA haven’t had an issue with hosting in countries with human rights issues and have produced great tournaments. Well known pundits such as Gary Neville feel that we should address the issues in the counties.
Riyadh Season will again be hosting the 2nd bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on the 21st December, a fight that unified all the world titles earlier this year.  
Info on times and where to buy it Here.
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Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in sport enables the nation to change its public perception and its global image. By hosting major events with some of the best athletes in the world, the kingdom does look to be using its soft power to influence and showcase their views and traditions. But by doing this they are limiting the audiences that can attend.
They might’ve won the hearts of mind of their nation but there’s still a long way to go if they want to win over the entire world.
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