Earlier this year, WWE wrapped up its most successful WrestleMania event in terms of numbers. The Stamford-based promotion reportedly made $21.6 million from the 2-day wrestling extravaganza at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. However, that number is just a fraction of what Vince McMahon and his promotion make from two shows in a year in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, every two shows in the Middle Eastern Kingdom pump $100 million into WWE’s purse. This has left fans divided, who shared their take on social media.

WWE likely to add $100 million to their income till 2027

In 2018, WWE announced that it had inked a 10-year strategic multiplatform partnership with Saudi Arabia as part of the country’s social and economic reform program- Vision 2030. The following year, the promotion stated that they and Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) have expanded their live event partnership through 2027 to include a “second annual large-scale event”.

With two shows per year, the company is likely to make $100 million or $50 million per show, according to Wrestlenomics. The website reported that they reached the figures after going through WWE’s quarterly regulatory filings.

According to the company filings, published in April 2020, WWE’s “other” revenues increased by $53.1 million. It said the revenue was “primarily driven by the timing of our large-scale international event, Super ShowDown [which took place on February 27, 2020], coupled with $4.9 million of revenues associated with the timing of delivery related to our WWE Studios content.”

This other section on the sheet shows a rise that coincides with their matches in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is clearly evident that the promotion makes around $50 million from each event in Saudi Arabia.

Read More: After Puerto Rico and Saudi Arabia, WWE Reportedly Planning a Stadium Show Outside the US

Meanwhile, fans were left divided by WWE’s hefty purse.

Fans divided over WWE’s monetary gains from the Saudi deal

Shortly after reporter Brandon Thurston tweeted the figures, the post attracted comments from fans. While some were impressed, others pointed out the chink.

These fans took a hit at rival AEW, doubting its abilities to stand in front of WWE’s selling power.

On the other hand, they were not so happy and called out the company for indulging in wrong practice.

Meanwhile, what impact will this guaranteed income have once the Endeavor transaction closes in the second half of the year and WWE and the UFC are merged into one company? Time will show if anything happens at all.

For now, fans in Saudi Arabia will get to witness the superstars at Night of Champions PLE. 

So, what’s your take on the WWE’s big-money Saudi deal? Let us know in the comments.

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