In a surprising turn of events, international football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly considering a guest appearance in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) alongside wrestling icon John Cena. The WWE is orchestrating this potential cameo for their upcoming Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia, slated for November 4th.
Ronaldo, who is currently showcasing his football prowess with the Riyadh-based club Al-Nassr, is expected to receive a hefty appearance fee for this venture. However, fans shouldn't expect to see the footballer grappling in the ring. Ronaldo's role would be that of a spectator, enjoying the show from a vantage point.
This wouldn't be the first time a footballer has graced a WWE event. In 2015, Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo's former teammate from Manchester United, made a brief appearance at WWE Raw. Other footballers, including former Norwich striker Grant Holt, ex-Wycombe Wanderers forward Adebayo Akinfenwa, and German goalkeeper Tim Wiese, have also had their moments in the WWE spotlight.
The acquisition of WWE by UFC owners Endeavor earlier this year has brought about a renewed vigor to the wrestling company. Endeavor, aiming to enhance the profile and revenue potential of the Crown Jewel event, sees the inclusion of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo, as a significant boost.
The Crown Jewel is an annual WWE event hosted in Saudi Arabia, stemming from a lucrative decade-long agreement between the Kingdom and the sports entertainment conglomerate. Since its inception in 2018, WWE has organized four Crown Jewel events in Saudi Arabia, with the city of Jeddah hosting the 2023 "Night of Champions" edition.
Although WWE has yet to make an official announcement regarding this year's Crown Jewel, there's strong anticipation that the event will mark the return of 13-time WWE champion John Cena to Saudi Arabia, his first appearance since 2018.
In a past interaction, when Cena was quizzed about the ongoing debate over who's the greatest footballer of all time - Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, Cena unequivocally chose Ronaldo. "If I had to name the best player, I would start and end with Cristiano Ronaldo. That's it," Cena had remarked.
Ronaldo's move to the Saudi Pro League has paved the way for other football superstars like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mane to join the Middle Eastern football circuit. Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr, signed in December 2022, is reportedly worth a staggering $215 million per season. After a lukewarm start to the 2023-24 season, Al-Nassr has witnessed a resurgence, winning four consecutive matches, with Ronaldo finding the net in each of these games. Currently, with Ronaldo's seven goals in as many league matches, Al-Nassr stands sixth in the league table.
