Thunder Rosa Responds to Bianca Belair’s Saudi Arabia Remarks

Thunder Rosa has expressed her perspective on comments made by Bianca Belair regarding the evolving role of women in Saudi Arabia during the WrestleMania 43 announcement. WWE confirmed on October 20, 2023, that the upcoming WrestleMania 43 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Belair discussing the positive changes she perceives for women in the country.

At the announcement event, Belair highlighted that with each WWE event hosted in Saudi Arabia, she observes advancements for women. She noted, “It’s becoming a place where women can make history for WWE,” emphasizing the importance of these moments for female athletes. Belair’s remarks reflect a sense of optimism about the progress being made.

Thunder Rosa’s Skeptical Viewpoint

During a recent appearance on the podcast Off the Ropes, Thunder Rosa articulated a more cautious view about the situation in Saudi Arabia. She pointed out the financial motivations behind WWE’s decision to hold events in the country. “They give them money, we’re gonna give you a show,” Rosa said, referring to the lucrative nature of WWE’s contracts with Saudi Arabia, as reported by Fightful.

Rosa shared her belief that while women participating in these events are indeed making history—given that they were banned from participating just seven years ago—larger societal changes are complex and slow to evolve. “You’re not gonna change how society looks at women in these countries,” she cautioned, acknowledging the deeply rooted historical and cultural contexts that influence perceptions of women.

She further emphasized the need for respect towards local laws and customs when engaging in international events. “You have to respect their laws and how things are run. You can’t just make a fool out of yourself,” Rosa stated, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity.

Future WWE Events in Saudi Arabia

WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia has led to several high-profile events, including Royal Rumble scheduled for January 2024 in the same country. These events are part of a long-term deal that WWE has signed with the Saudi government, aimed at promoting sports and entertainment in the region.

The contrasting views of Rosa and Belair illustrate the ongoing debate about the role of sports entertainment in challenging or reinforcing societal norms. As WWE continues to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, discussions surrounding the implications of these events for women in the country are likely to persist.

As WWE gears up for its upcoming events, the spotlight remains on how it navigates the intersection of culture, gender, and global entertainment.