As WWE prepares to take the Jeddah Superdome by storm on May 25 with The King and Queen of the Ring PLE, concerns are growing that the upcoming event may not live up to the hype. While the Saudi Premium Live Events (PLEs) are considered special attractions, garnering considerable mainstream attention, there are several reasons why this event may disappoint. Here are four concerning reasons why WWE’s Saudi Arabian event may fall short of expectations.
First and foremost, the severe star power deficit is a major concern. WWE has always relied on its biggest attractions, such as John Cena, Roman Reigns, and Brock Lesnar, for these special occasions. However, Reigns is taking time off, Cena is unlikely to feature due to his Hollywood commitments, and Lesnar has been written off for the foreseeable future. Additionally, several full-time superstars are also sidelined due to injuries, including Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley. This lack of star power may deter casual fans from tuning in to the event.
Another concern is the lack of build-up heading into the event. With only three weeks of build, WWE has insufficient time to create compelling narratives and genuine interest. Unlike previous Saudi shows, which had a longer build-up period, this event’s card lacks the necessary hype. The company has failed to recreate the excitement and intrigue that was present last year with The Bloodline storyline.
Furthermore, the current match-ups lack heat, and the announced matches, including Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul and a Triple Threat match for the Intercontinental Championship, have yet to generate significant interest. The absence of a storyline with comparable drama and intrigue, similar to last year’s The Bloodline implosion, is also a concern.
Lastly, the decision to book Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul has raised concerns about WWE’s long-term goal. The outcome of the match seems like a foregone conclusion, and the main event doesn’t come across as a must-see draw with long-term implications. This raises questions about WWE’s planning and execution, particularly in the post-Mania season.
In light of these concerns, it remains to be seen whether WWE can deliver an event that meets the expectations of its fans. While the Saudi PLEs have historically overdelivered, it’s uncertain whether this event will follow suit. Only time will tell if WWE can overcome these challenges and put on a show that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.
