WWE Crown Jewel 2022 sees Roman Reigns face Logan Paul in Riyadh

RIYADH: WWE superstars made special appearances at a WWE press conference at Mrsool Park Stadium in Riyadh on Nov. 4 ahead of their big fights at the stadium on Saturday night.

Fans eagerly watched as Braun Strowman, Omos, Roman Reigns and Logan Paul, as well as female wrestlers Bayley and WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, made special appearances, flexing their muscles in the lead-up to their respective matches.

This year’s contests mark the eighth WWE event in Saudi Arabia, and this time the affair is an even grander occasion, featuring a village constructed around the stadium with food and entertainment kiosks for fans.

Part of Riyadh Season, which runs until Dec. 22, the WWE Crown Jewel is staged under the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, formerly the General Authority for Entertainment, set up by royal decree in May 2016 in tandem with Saudi Vision 2030 to regulate and develop Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector.

Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the GEA, told the press conference that entertainment in the Kingdom has become the focus of the world’s attention due to hosting the best international shows.

Riyadh Season’s diverse international activities bring fun to all, he added.

“Welcome to the WWE launch conference in Riyadh Season 2022. The international competitions of WWE have become part of Riyadh Season, and this sport is followed by hundreds of millions of people with enthusiasm and enjoyment around the world,” Al-Sheikh said.

“We are thrilled to be here, especially as part of Riyadh Season, and to showcase in this beautiful country,” Stephanie McMahon, chairwoman and joint CEO of WWE, told the conference.

“WWE wants to sincerely thank the king, the crown prince, his excellency and all of