Saudis will soon get to watch World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) matches live in the kingdom, as the country's sports authority has signed an exclusive deal with the entertainment brand.
According to Arab News, the Saudi General Sports Authority has signed a 10-year deal with the WWE corporation to hold wrestling events in the kingdom.
The move comes as part of the sports authority's efforts to boost sporting initiatives, as it is already preparing to host the Formula One Grand Prix and the Super World Boxing Cup final this May.
This week, WWE CEO Vince McMahon visited the Saudi capital Riyadh to sign the exclusive deal with Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Saudi General Sports Authority.
The agreement will see the kingdom welcome some of the world's most popular wrestlers and host several WWE events, including the Royal Rumble, Tag Team, as well as Raw Title, over the next 10 years.
However, Arab News notes that the events will be presented "in a unique way for the Saudi public".
The kingdom has previously hosted WWE competitions on several occasions, the first of which was held in 2014 and featured superstars such as John Cena, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dolph Ziggler, according to The National.
Saudi wrestling fans celebrated the news on social media, with the hashtag مصارعه_WWE_في_المملكه# (WWE wrestling in the kingdom) trending on Twitter in the kingdom:
People can't wait to meet their favorite wrestlers
"A source of pride for every Saudi citizen"
"The news really made me happy. Wrestling is very popular in Saudi Arabia and around the world, so its presence in the kingdom is a source of pride for every Saudi citizen. A sincere 'thank you' for the sports authority headed by Minister Turki Al-Sheikh."
Yes!
Will the matches feature Khaleeji music?
"The wrestlers will enter our arena like this."
This tweet wins over the internet
Some users have special requests
Women hope they get to attend the matches
"Wrestling is my passion and my favorite sport. Finally, we'll see WWE stars in the kingdom. I hope families get to attend the matches because we're really huge fans. A special move on your behalf Mr. Turki. Here's hoping we move further ahead."
However, not everyone considers it good news
"What's the purpose behind the decision? Violence and immodesty are not permitted logically or religiously. We need quality initiatives that suit and elevate us."