WWE has held internal conversations about whether the company should travel to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel, according to Bryan Alvarez of Figure Four Weekly. Alvarez reported on October 8 that "there were a number of conversations had within WWE about whether the company should actually travel to Saudi Arabia next month." WrestlingInc relayed the report. Crown Jewel is scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh.
The concern did not start this week. WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select reported in late September that multiple WWE employees who regularly travel to Saudi Arabia events had asked about possible changes or rescheduling, and described the backstage mood as one of large concern. WrestlingInc noted at the time that WWE had not publicly addressed the situation.
The latest worry follows attacks on two Saudi airports. Al Jazeera reported on October 7, citing the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, that strikes on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed three people and injured 36. Houthi forces, the Iran-aligned group based in Yemen, claimed responsibility. Reuters, cited by WrestlingInc, reported that the group also claimed damage to a Saudia Airlines plane in Riyadh, along with strikes on airspace, oil facilities and energy plants.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued a statement advising Americans in the country to stay vigilant and to expect possible travel disruptions, flight cancellations and airspace closures. WrestlingInc also noted that the State Department warned Americans against traveling to Saudi Arabia in September because of the escalating regional conflict.
WrestlingInc reported that WWE would not lose money if the event were moved, and that construction at the Riyadh stadium has begun. The company is also still committed to holding WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia in April 2027, according to the same report.
No decision has been announced. It is not yet known whether WWE will change the date, move the venue or keep the show as planned, and the company has not commented publicly on the discussions Alvarez described.
As of Sunday, Crown Jewel remains scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh, and WWE has announced no change.
