On a recent edition of Konnan’s “Keepin’ It 100” podcast, former WWE Superstar Mansoor discussed growing up in Saudi Arabia, the country’s recent changes to oppressive policies, and more.
Mansoor was released from his WWE contract in September 2023.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On being a wrestling fan growing up in the country: “Every kid in Saudi Arabia plays soccer — we call it football over there, that’s the national sport. Much like many countries, it’s kind of the only sport that matters. I was never that big of a fan. I was kind of the black sheep in that sense. I just loved wrestling, but there was no outlet for that. When I was really little all I could do was buy cheap rip-offs of the [WWE] pay-per-views, you could buy them for two bucks over there. So that’s how I watched all the pay-per-views.”
On his mother’s transition to living in Saudi Arabia: “Being told she couldn’t drive, she couldn’t go outside not wearing complete covering, the Abaya and the Hijab, was very difficult for her.”
On the changes in the country: “So much has changed, I see guys and girls going on dates, which is crazy to me. Because back in the day, I mean, I knew a guy who was taken in the back of a van and lashed because he was out with a girl he wasn’t related to… For people in Saudi Arabia, every little step is a big deal, and I know that because I lived there before all these steps were taken, and I have seen it after all these steps were taken. I think people who are expecting the totality of the culture to shift immediately are not really understanding just how difficult it is and how traditional and conservative Saudi society is. So, just the fact that women can drive and there is no punishment for taking a girl out, to me, is a huge leap forward.”
Former WWE Superstar Mansoor recently opened up about his experiences growing up in Saudi Arabia and the country’s recent changes to oppressive policies. Mansoor, who was released from his WWE contract in September 2023, shared his insights on Konnan’s “Keepin’ It 100” podcast.
As a wrestling fan in Saudi Arabia, Mansoor revealed that soccer, or football as it is known there, is the national sport and holds great significance. However, Mansoor stood out as a black sheep because he had a deep passion for wrestling. Unfortunately, there was no outlet for him to indulge in his love for the sport. He reminisced about buying cheap rip-offs of WWE pay-per-views for just two bucks, which allowed him to watch all the exciting events.
Mansoor also discussed the challenges his mother faced when transitioning to living in Saudi Arabia. He mentioned that she had to adhere to strict rules, such as not being able to drive and having to wear complete covering, including the Abaya and the Hijab. These restrictions were incredibly difficult for her to accept and adapt to.
However, Mansoor acknowledged that significant changes have taken place in Saudi Arabia over the years. He mentioned witnessing guys and girls going on dates, which was previously unheard of. Mansoor shared a shocking incident from the past where he knew someone who was punished for being out with a girl he wasn’t related to. The individual was taken in the back of a van and lashed. These incidents highlight the conservative nature of Saudi society.
Mansoor emphasized that every little step towards progress is a big deal in Saudi Arabia. He explained that people who expect an immediate shift in the culture fail to understand the difficulties and deeply rooted traditions of Saudi society. Despite this, Mansoor believes that the fact that women can now drive and there are no punishments for going out with someone of the opposite sex is a significant leap forward.
Mansoor’s insights shed light on the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia and the gradual changes occurring within the country. It is encouraging to see progress being made, even if it is a slow and challenging process. Mansoor’s personal experiences provide a unique perspective on the transformation of Saudi society and the impact it has on its people.