Crown Jewel stays on for Riyadh as State Department issues security alert

The US State Department issued a Middle East security alert on Monday, October 19, telling Americans to "exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment," Sports Illustrated reported. The alert also warned of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. WWE Crown Jewel remains scheduled for Saturday, November 7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The alert came nine days after an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Wrestling Inc reported that the October 10 attack killed 12 people and injured more than 300, including one US citizen. The US Mission said it was aware of the attacks and "strongly recommends all U.S. citizens avoid this airport and surrounding areas." Wrestling Inc described it as the deadliest attack in any Gulf Arab country since the Iran war.

WWE has confirmed it has contingency plans for Crown Jewel, though Wrestling Inc said the backup locations were not disclosed. Sports Illustrated reported that a US backup venue is on standby and that no final decision has been made, with TKO leadership conducting daily monitoring of the situation. According to that report, personnel planning to attend are proceeding as scheduled until instructed to do otherwise.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer addressed who holds the final say in comments Wrestling Inc reported on October 16. Meltzer said TKO CEO Ari Emanuel and TKO president Mark Shapiro will likely decide whether the roster travels, with the ultimate decision resting with Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh. WWE leaders Nick Khan and Paul Levesque are below that level of authority, he said. Meltzer also said canceling would not cost WWE money under the current deal terms, while a postponement could hurt future negotiations, since the Saudi contract expires in 2028.

Sports Illustrated listed the planned card as Roman Reigns against Sami Zayn for the World Heavyweight Championship, and Liv Morgan against Chelsea Green for the Women's Championship.

No decision to move or cancel the show has been announced. As of now, Crown Jewel is still set for November 7 in Riyadh, and the backup venue has not been named.