Former WWE co‑president George Barrios has explained why WWE kept its lucrative partnership with Saudi Arabia after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
In his recent memoir, “Sometimes Fallacious but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE,” Barrios revealed that Khashoggi’s death raised serious internal concerns, yet WWE leadership still selected to honor the prevailing take care of the Saudi government. He wrote,
“Our negotiations dragged on since the Saudis are notorious hagglers. By 2018, despite having made great progress, we were struggling to get the deal over the finish line. Complicating matters was the disappearance of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi. As outraged as I used to be by what happened, I still defy anyone to argue they understand who was truly at fault. All I do know is that on our end, Khashoggi’s disappearance called into query our take care of the Saudis. Vince (McMahon), Michelle (Wilson), and I spent a fantastic deal of time debating the professionals and cons of moving forward. Vince specifically was deeply uncomfortable with the uncertainty surrounding the events. For my part, we couldn’t walk out on the deal. It was too worthwhile for WWE. But Vince kept shaking his head. “This thing with Khashoggi. Doing the deal might be the largest risk we’ve ever taken with the corporate.” “‘Vince, take heed to me, ’ I said. ‘I understand how serious that is. But nobody really knows what’s happening.’”
Ketchup Entertainment has released a brand new trailer for Coyote vs. ACME, the long‑delayed Looney Tunes film starring John Cena.
The teaser riffs on Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday marketing and classic JFK imagery, with Bugs Bunny playing a Deep Throat‑style informant guiding Wile E. Coyote’s legal fight against ACME.
You possibly can watch the trailer below:
During a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray reviewed WWE Clash In Italy and Brock Lesnar’s victory in his rematch with Oba Femi.
Ray called for a decisive third ‘Last Warrior Standing’ match between the 2 heavyweight athletes.
You possibly can try some highlights from the podcast below:
On what the stipulation must be for a proposed third match between Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar: “We saw a domination by Oba at WrestleMania. We saw a domination by Brock in Turin. What would we see in a 3rd match that had no stipulations? It might form of be lots of the identical. If Brock truly puts his profession on the road, it could actually definitely work. Nonetheless, my opinion, the one option to settle it’s a Last — ignore ‘man’ — Last Warrior Standing. Because I feel that is about two warriors fighting.”
On how Oba Femi should’ve stood up after losing to Brock Lesnar: “I might like to have seen Brock be like, one and one, and Brock just looks like a beast and a monster, and he’s talking to Oba, but Oba stands back up, after which hastily Brock’s face goes just a bit bit blank. Like, how the F did he get back up again? You possibly can come back with Oba saying, ‘Yes, Brock, you beat me, but you never cut me down. I’m still standing in Italy.’”