Here's why WWE Women are dressed differently in Saudi Arabia

Female WWE performers were dressed differently while performing in Saudi Arabia. Read more to know the reason behind their changed attire.

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Varun Sarwate
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In the world of sports entertainment, the clash of cultures frequently takes the stage. One such remarkable junction was witnessed when WWE launched a ground-breaking enterprise in Saudi Arabia. The tight devotion to the law in the Kingdom presented a unique obstacle, particularly for WWE's female superstars. The female WWE performers had to venture into an unfamiliar area, where tradition met modernity, to investigate the evolution of women's participation in Saudi Arabian WWE events. 

From the beginnings of exclusion to the momentous successes that followed, this is a story of tenacity, cultural sensitivity, and the extraordinary influence these trailblazing women had on a whole nation. One of the most visible instances is the presence of specialised clothing for the ladies when performing in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia follows the demands interpretation of Islamic law, known as Sharia. One of the most significant parts of Sharia law is the modesty and covering of women's bodies. In Saudi culture, it is deemed undesirable and antithetical to Islamic values for women to exhibit skin, wear exposing attire, or engage in immodest behaviours. 

This cultural and religious context has resulted in tight gender separation in many areas of public life, including entertainment, where women's participation has traditionally been limited. This backdrop helps us understand why WWE female wrestlers must wear protective attire when competing in Saudi Arabia.

WWE signed a multimillion-dollar contract with Saudi Arabia

In 2018, WWE signed a multimillion-dollar contract with Saudi Arabia. The collaboration resulted in a series of large WWE events in the nation. However, these events did not initially feature any female performers because of their prevailing cultural standards and prohibitions. The strict understanding of Sharia law and cultural norms made it difficult for female WWE stars to attend these events. However, change was on the way.

 In 2019, Lacey Evans and Natalya competed in the inaugural women in Saudi Arabia. This historic occasion represented a dramatic shift in Saudi Arabia's attitude towards women's participation in sports and entertainment. 

 

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