Lita explains why she's changed her attitude on WWE's deal with Saudi Arabia.
In 2018, Lita criticized WWE's deal with Saudi Arabia as women were excluded from competing on WWE events in the country. Things have changed since then as women have now had matches on WWE events in Saudi Arabia, but Lita herself will be headed to the country to challenge for the Raw Women's Championship.
In 2018, Lita told WrestleZone, "I understand that they are a business, a global business and they are always looking to expand their global presence. However, I do feel this was a direct conflict of interest with them maintaining any integrity or truth to the fact that they say they would like to push forward women, their roles and their reputations in this business as anything resembling equal to a male.
“Make the money, that’s fine, but don’t try to cover it up. Don’t say, ‘No, we are doing this because in the future we would like to help progress their culture forward!’ No, you want the money, you’re a business and businesses make money. That’s okay. From my perspective over here, I don’t own your business so that’s your call. From a PR perspective don’t say you are doing it because, ‘We want to help progress that culture forward’. No, it’s a direct conflict of interest, in my opinion.”
With Lita set to make her first appearance at a Saudi Arabia event, she's changed her tune.
"I was outspoken on the early relationship between WWE and Saudi. 'They say they want women's wrestling over there, I don't know if I believe it, there are no women on this card.' There are women on the card and I've talked to the women personally that have been over there and they are like, 'it's unbelievable. There are women crying, never thinking they would get to see two women be so strong in the ring. It's really powerful, you're going to enjoy that.' Sure, do they have a long way to go? Do we, as a society, have a long way to go? Absolutely. You have to take the opportunities when they are there," she said in an interview with Ring The Belle.
Lita will challenge Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Championship at the event. A women's Elimination Chamber bout is also set for the card.
You can view the current lineup for WWE Elimination Chamber by clicking here.
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