Fans witness first-ever WWE women’s match in Saudi Arabia, win by Saudi wrestler

Thousands of wrestling fans were treated to the WWE’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia which included the first-ever women’s match to be held in the Kingdom and the first singles event win by Saudi wrestler Mansoor al-Shehail.

Al-Shehail, the first Saudi Arabian to represent the Kingdom in the WWE, defeated veteran wrestler Cesaro for his first singles’ event victory.

“I am honored to represent the Kingdom and pave the way for future Saudi wrestlers. I hope I make you proud and will not let you down,” al-Shehail told reporters before taking the ring in front of his hometown crowd in Riyadh.

Mansoor al-Shehail during his first single's event WWE victory, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

Performing for a sold-out crowd, WWE "superstars" Natalya and Lacey Evans fought each other on Thursday in what became the first all-female wrestling fight in Saudi Arabia.

“For me, it’s life-changing. I can’t believe that I’m going to be part of WWE history. I’m just so excited for our WWE fans in Saudi Arabia and our WWE fans around the world,” Natalya a day before the event.

The WWE Crown Jewel was held at the King Fahd Stadium in the Saudi Arabian capital as part of the Riyadh Season, which includes more than 100 entertainment and art events over two months.

Last March, Saudi Arabia signed an exclusive 10-year contract with the WWE to hold wrestling competitions in the kingdom. The agreement means that Saudi Arabian wrestling fans will get to enjoy a number of WWE events, including the famous “Royal Rumble” and “Raw title” events.