WWE is still moving forward with Crown Jewel on November 7 at a temporary Riyadh Season Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wrestling Inc reported on October 26. The report says the company has publicly stated there are no changes to its plans, even as concerns about security in the region continue to draw attention.
The event has been under scrutiny since mid-October. Sportsnaut, summarizing comments Dave Meltzer made on Wrestling Observer Radio on October 15, reported that the U.S. State Department had issued a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Saudi Arabia. The advisory cited regional conflict, terrorism, and missile and drone strikes, following attacks in the country by Iran-backed Houthi forces.
Wrestling Inc said PWInsider confirmed that setup has begun at the venue. It also pointed to video posted on X on October 23 by Nawaf Alhazmi that showed construction at Riyadh Season Stadium. The outlet added that a U.S. intelligence memo warned of increased danger from Houthi attacks based in Yemen, and that some have urged WWE to reconsider.
Wrestling Inc reported that WWE is believed to have contingency plans in the United States or Europe, though the company has not publicly acknowledged needing them. Meltzer said much the same on his show. According to Sportsnaut, he said WWE would not publicly discuss a backup location, in his words: "They will not even publicly say that there's a backup plan. There is." Meltzer also said WWE employees have expressed reluctance about traveling to the event, and that company officials were frustrated those concerns became public.
WWE has not announced a change of venue, refunds, or new ticket arrangements, and has not named a backup location. Wrestling Inc tied the company's determination to proceed to its financial ties with the Saudi government and expected fourth quarter earnings.
As of the October 26 reporting, Crown Jewel remains scheduled for Riyadh on November 7, with venue construction underway.
