WWE: Lita on Decision to Wrestle in Saudi Arabia Despite Past Issues, NXT Notes, Candy Floss Departure

Lita Comments on Her Decision to Wrestle in Saudi Arabia for WWE Despite Her Past Criticisms

Ring The Belle held a recent interview with Lita. One of the topics discussed included her thoughts about competing at WWE’s upcoming Elimination Chamber 2022 event in Saudi Arabia and why she changed her stance over her past criticisms of WWE’s deal with the Saudi government.

“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.”

In regards to her past criticisms, Lita stated in past interview with WrestleZone in 2018 that she felt WWE’s deal with the Saudi government was a “direct conflict of interest” with their efforts to push forward women’s wrestling and their Women’s Revolution/Evolution.

“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.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

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This Past Tuesday’s NXT Show News & Notes

As noted before, former Ring of Honor talent Rok-C was among the indie talents invited to a tryout held by WWE this past December and someone who several WWE officials had made a “significant push” backstage to be signed by the company. PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that Rok-C was seen backstage at this past Tuesday’s NXT taping at WWE’s Performance Center. Johnson reported that it is currently expected that WWE will officially announce Rok-C’s signing once they reveal their next class of signees for their Performance Center.

This past Tuesday’s episode of NXT reportedly featured new production techniques being used, according to PWInsider. Mike Johnson reported that several people in attendance at the show stated that WWE had a camera operator entering and standing inside the ring during matches, which required NXT talents having to work around the person. Johnson reported that among the matches shot using this new technique included the Grizzled Young Veterans vs. The Creed Brothers tag team match.

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Candy Floss Departs from WWE & NXT UK Brand

NXT UK talent Candy Floss announced on Twitter that she recently left WWE following the expiration of her contract at the end of this past December.

“In May 2019 I lost my mum to cancer then in January 2020 I signed with NXT UK.

Unfortunately, my dream career with WWE got put on hold when, during the pandemic, I was diagnosed with severe PTSD and anxiety because of the trauma I experienced witnessing my favorite person, my mum, fight for her life. I decided I needed to put my mental health first and WWE couldn’t have been more supportive. In December 2021 my contract with WWE expired. It is very sad for me as I wish my journey with WWE didn’t have to end like this as I’ve worked so hard to get signed. I just want to say thank you to WWE for dealing with me so well as I know it’s not an easy situation, I’m very grateful for it all.

From fighting in the ring nearly every day, I found myself being in the biggest fight with my mental health. On a positive note, I am doing so much better! My dream isn’t over, life just decided to be very unfair (not so sweet ) towards me. Hopefully I will be back in the ring again sometime soon and hurt my 90 year old back again.

Thank you to everybody for supporting me!”