The State Connection Behind WrestleMania 41s Biggest Gaming Ad
Saudi Arabia's has been criticised for sportswashing efforts in esports before. But the monarchy is using its integrated gaming and esports ventures to lever influence in other entertainment branches as well, as recently seen at the biggest wrestling event of the world. A guest article by Pascal Wagner.
On Easter weekend 2025, the biggest event for wrestling fans and the world’s biggest wrestling company WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) ruled Las Vegas. WrestleMania 41 is the wrestling SuperBowl, and just like at the football cup, advertisements play a big part of the event. Every match is sponsored by a company, and they in turn are prominently featured in trailers between matches, with their logos around the ring and even on the ring mat.