Scott Audette/Reuters
World Wrestling Entertainment announced Thursday it would go through with plans to hold its Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia despite criticism following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. WWE made the announcement alongside its Q3 earnings report, citing “contractual obligations” and a “sizable and dedicated fan base” in the Middle East. The statement read, “Similar to other U.S.-based companies who plan to continue operations in Saudi Arabia, the Company has decided to uphold its contractual obligations to the General Sports Authority and stage the event. Full year 2018 guidance is predicated on the staging of the Riyadh event as scheduled.” The wrestling giant received backlash long before the Khashoggi scandal for entering a decade-long deal with the kingdom back in April despite the government’s discrimination against women.