The words “blood money” get tossed around a lot when describing Saudi Arabia and WWE’s relationship. Detractors of this partnership believe the Kingdom is using WWE as a form of “sportswashing.” In fact, CM Punk once told The Miz to “suck a blood money d*** in Saudi Arabia,” back in 2020. These are comments that CM Punk would later ask Saudi Arabian fans for forgiveness for saying. As WWE gets more political, now, CM Punk’s adversary, Seth Rollins, defends Saudi Arabia paydays. Here’s what the former WWE Champion said about American currency and blood money.
Seth Rollins Defends Saudi Arabia on Jay Mohr’s Mohr Stories
Seth Freakin’ Rollins joined comedian Jay Mohr’s podcast Mohr Stories recently. The two shared their passion for pro wrestling, with Jay Mohr talking about growing up with the likes of Jimmy Snuka and Billy Graham on television.
Eventually, the two got down to the nitty-gritty. Seth Rollins was promoting upcoming WWE events and shows, including Unreal on Netflix, the Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania 42. The comedian interjected, asking where the Royal Rumble was taking place this year. Seth Rollins whispered, “Saudi Arabia.”
Jay Mohr then asked if they’ll “get s***” like the comedians recently did. This was in reference to theRiyadh Comedy Festival, where comedians like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Pete Davidson performed. These A-list celebs receive monumental backlash from the United States audiences for being a part of Saudi Arabian propaganda.
Seth Rollins said that WWE has always gotten flak for their long-time partnership with the Saudi government. The annoyed WWE veteran doubled down on the relationship, pointing a finger at Americans for having a double standard.
Seth Rollins Says All American Money Is Blood Money
When Jay Mohr questioned whether fans give WWE hell for going to Saudi Arabia, The Architect’s demeanor changed. Becky Lynch’s husband seemed to get defensive as he stuck up for WWE’s decision to do business in Saudi Arabia.
Seth Rollins, who has competed in 10 Saudi Arabian shows, said:
“We’ve been going there for six years. We’ve been taking s*** for six years.”
The former WWE Champion’s answer shocked the host. The two then mimicked the accusations that being paid by the Saudi government is “blood money.” They both mustered up low-pitched voices to mock angry tones.
“Oh, of course. Like, oh, it’s blood money.
It’s blood money. Yeah. Yeah. Well, guess what? We get paid by America, too. What do you think? You think there’s no blood money there?
Come on. What do you think? Get out of here.”
Seth Rollins’ assertions are interesting. He’s a celebrity who is currentlyworking fora company that celebrates Donald Trump as a Hall of Famer. However, this WWE veteran is insinuating that accepting US currencyis the same as accepting blood money due to the country’s long-standing profit from violence and inequality.
Seth Rollins Supports Saudi Arabia Partnership with WWE
WWE’s first show in Saudi Arabia was in 2014. The company hosted a SmackDown-branded House Show at the Green Hills Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The opening match saw The Shield’s Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose defeat Rybaxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel).
A lot changed from 2014, and when Seth Rollins returned in 2018 (although he recalls it being 2019). The 2016 card had no women on it. In fact, women weren’t allowed to drive. When WWE returned to Saudi Arabia in 2018 for the Greatest Royal Rumble, women were able to drive, and the company was negotiating women being featured on future cards.
Seth Rollins defends Saudi Arabia by noting their progress:
“When we went in 2019, I was skeptical as well. ‘Oh, I don’t know about this. I don’t know. I don’t know how I feel about it.
But we go over there, and the change in the culture and the people at our shows in six years has been incredible. When I tell you we went there the first time, there were no women on our show. There were no women backstage. They wouldn’t do anything. Now, we go there, and it’s just like a WWE show.”
The first women’s match in Saudi Arabia was held on October 31, 2019. Natalya defeated Lacey Evans at that year’s Crown Jewel.