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Mark Shapiro and Nick Khan (Source: Wrestling Inc and AP News)
Mark Shapiro highlighted Nick Khan's efforts to build a good connection with Saudi Arabia. In 2018, WWE struck a 10-year contract with Saudi Arabia that required the business to stage at least one premium live event in the country. The number of shows has since increased to two each year. Since Vince McMahon departed from the company, WWE President Nick Khan has continued this program.
Outside of the COVID-19 outbreak, WWE's contentious relationship with Saudi Arabia has resulted in two premium live events every year since 2018, although there has been speculation that the administration wants more. Shapiro acknowledged McMahon's significance in that connection but said that WWE President Nick Khan has maintained it strong, and WWE will continue to hold events in Saudi Arabia, likely until at least 2027.
During TKO's first quarter earnings call on May 8, Endeavour President Mark Shapiro rejected speculation that Vince McMahon's departure would have an impact on WWE's relationship with Saudi Arabia. He spoke about Nick Khan's efforts to strengthen that friendship.
According to YARDBARKER, “Let’s remember, we have a strong and healthy relationship with the Kingdom, through WWE, and doing two annual events a year. I’ll remind folks that those deals were primarily highly tied to Vince McMahon. There was a lot of speculation with Vince being gone, ‘would that impact the relationship negatively? Would they be looking to get out of it?’
Saudi Arabia to host King and Queen of the Ring event
“I would say that Nick Khan, in particular, has developed, sustained, cultivated, and nurtured a very strong relationship in a handoff from Vince. They have a lot of trust and faith in each other. We’ve been delivering on those events. Potentially, we could look to do more events, but nothing is planned beyond those two events at this time. We will continue to look at festivalizing those WWE events more than we already do.”
Saudi Arabia will host WWE's King and Queen of the Ring on May 25.