Several senators criticized the WWE for its upcoming “Crown Jewel” wrestling event, saying they should cancel or delay it, following the disappearance of journalist and Saudi Arabian government critic Jamal Khashoggi, according to a published report.
The senators are calling on the WWE to reevaluate its ties to Saudi Arabia. The country is expected to host its second major wrestling event after another one was held back in April.
Turkish authorities reportedly have video and audio evidence that a Saudi Arabian “hit team” killed Khashoggi, according to CNN. Khashoggi was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Turkey.
Senators have been furious over the country’s possible involvement in Khashoggi’s disappearance and suspected death.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told IJR on Friday that he hopes the company, which is based in his state, rethinks its relationship with the Saudi government “with respect to events coming up in the next weeks.”
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., also added that the company needed to take a “hard look” at the future of its lucrative deal.
And Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said that there needed to be a pause to any business dealings between WWE and the Saudi government, according to IJR.
Part of the scrutiny of the deal is because WWE co-founder Linda McMahon serves in the Trump administration as small business administrator.
President Trump said in the Oval Office on Saturday that he will be contacting Saudi King Salman about the disappearance.
Trump said during an interview on "60 Minutes" expected to air Sunday that the country would face “severe punishment” if it turns out Saudi Arabia was behind Khashoggi’s disappearance and alleged death.
WWE has not said that it will postpone the “Crown Jewel,” which is expected to have numerous popular headliners. Just like the event that took place in April in Saudi Arabia, the event will not feature any female wrestlers.
WWE told IJR it was only monitoring the situation.