A statement has been made by WWE veteran Natalya, who credited Vince McMahon as the driving force behind the first-ever women’s wrestling match held in Saudi Arabia. The historic bout, which saw Natalya defeat Lacey Evans, took place at the Crown Jewel premium live event in 2019.
Speaking with DS of Ring the Belle, Natalya recalled personally approaching McMahon about the opportunity as the company began holding events in the country.
“I said to Vince McMahon, when WWE first started doing stuff in Saudi Arabia, I said, ‘Vince, I really want to go. I want to be the first woman to wrestle in Saudi Arabia,’” Natalya stated.
According to the former champion, McMahon shared this desire and actively worked to make it a reality, an effort for which she remains grateful.
“Vince made it happen. I think Vince really wanted women to wrestle there, too, and he really wanted us to have more visibility there, to be able to do what we love,” Natalya affirmed. “So I will always be so grateful to Vince for that moment, because he fought for the women to have more visibility in Saudi Arabia. He had to fight. So, look at us now.”
Vince McMahon is currently facing a lawsuit filed by a former WWE employee that includes allegations of serious sexual abuse and sex trafficking.
The 2019 match was a significant moment in WWE’s deepening relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This partnership is set to reach a new level when the company holds its flagship event, WrestleMania 43, in Riyadh in 2027. This move, part of a broader 10-year agreement between WWE and the country, will mark the first time the spectacle has ever been held outside of North America.