Ryad (AFP)
Black suits and loose t-shirts, famous American wrestlers fought Thursday evening in costumes much more blanket than usual for the first women's match organized in Saudi Arabia, ultra-conservative kingdom that is trying to change its image.
World famous Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstars Natalya and Lacey Evans competed at the King Fahd Stadium in Ryad, the first female wrestling match in the Gulf country known for applying an ultra-rigorous version of the game. Islamic law.
Upon arrival on the ring of the stars with blond hair not covered but very modestly dressed, a group of three teenagers chuckle, after having followed the previous male fights with seriousness and fervor. "It's nonsense," whispers one of them.
Fireworks, deafening rock'n'roll rhythms, unrestrained wrestlers shirtless and tight pants, a public that vibrates at the whim of the actions, flights of the English commentator: the show recalls all the competitions of the WEE at the exception of the only women's match of the evening.
Like their male counterparts, women's wrestling stars like Lacey Evans and Natalya are known for their extravagant, light and tight outfits. "Do you want them to be imprisoned?" Says an expatriate who wished to remain anonymous.
"Women's wrestling in Saudi Arabia yes, but only if they dress like that, otherwise it would not be possible, even if it's true that the clothing is an integral part of the show," said a young passionate of this discipline, black t-shirt with the effigy of his favorite athletes, and who also requested anonymity.
- "Limits" -
In recent years, Saudi Arabia is marked by economic and social reforms in all directions and a new openness to entertainment promoted by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
These include the right of women to drive, to travel alone, although they remain under the close supervision of a "male guardian" and are required to dress in long dresses hiding their forms - with a recent relaxation of this rule for foreigners.
Last year, the broadcast during a men's wrestling match of a promotional video showing female underwired wrestlers made a scandal in the country, forcing the authorities to apologize for these "indecent" images.
Ahmed, 24, who says he follows the catch very far, looks disappointed. "I was waiting for the women's match," said the young man with the athlete's physique.
"Those who want to see such a spectacle should have the right to access it, and those who do not like it may not attend," he says wryly.
Father of family come to accompany his two children, Ali, 40, says to support the multiplication of the entertainments in Ryad and more generally the changes in progress in the country but "with limits".
"Sport agrees, but these women's shows, honestly ...", begins this official in white traditional dress.
"That women drive, it's already a shock for me, I'm not against it but you have to get used to it," said the man, looking calm and smiling.
Despite his discomfort, he said, he promised his daughter, who pulls his arm to show him his favorite wrestler, to teach him to handle a steering wheel when she is old enough to drive.
© 2019 AFP