WWE is reportedly frustrated with some non-wrestling employees expressing concerns about traveling to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel amid the ongoing security situation. According to Dave Meltzer, the company wants to maintain a united front over the November 7 event while protecting its relationship with Saudi officials.
The concerns follow a U.S. Department of State Level 3 travel advisory urging Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia because of regional armed conflict, terrorism, and risks from drone and missile attacks. Security concerns have also intensified following reported attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Earlier this week, Bryan Alvarez of “Wrestling Observer” reported that WWE was considering an undisclosed U.S. city as a backup location should Crown Jewel need to move. However, WWE has not publicly confirmed that contingency plan, and Riyadh remains the announced host city.
Speaking on “Wrestling Observer Radio,” Dave Meltzer discussed the reported reaction to employees voicing their concerns.
“I heard that WWE wasn’t thrilled that some of the employees, non-wrestlers, did actually talk about not wanting to go because they want that united front. And not one wrestler said a word, which doesn’t surprise me because if they did, there would be repercussions. It’d be stupid to do so. It’s not your fight. But I would expect that they can’t be thrilled about this.”
Meltzer also addressed why WWE might avoid publicly acknowledging a possible alternative venue, suggesting that doing so could create tension with its Saudi partners.
“They will not even publicly say that there’s a backup plan, there is, but they can’t publicly say it because if they publicly say it, it sounds like they’re wavering on going. And they can’t have that out because then the Saudis and Turki will be very upset at them for having that out. That’s why no one talks about the idea of a backup plan, and they deny it. But to not have a backup plan, you would have to be incompetent, and if there is anything that the people that run WWE are, incompetent is not one of those things.”
These remain reported claims, and WWE has not publicly addressed the alleged staff pushback or confirmed a backup venue.
Crown Jewel Remains Scheduled for Riyadh as Security Concerns Continue
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WWE continues to promote Crown Jewel for November 7 in Riyadh. Two matches have been announced so far: World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns will face WWE Champion Sami Zayn, while Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan will take on WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green. Both bouts are for the Crown Jewel Championships rather than the competitors’ regular titles.
Elsewhere, the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament, originally scheduled for October 21–24 in Riyadh, has been postponed until December 27–30. Turki Alalshikh cited organizational and logistical challenges, without publicly attributing the decision to the regional conflict. Meanwhile, the scheduled October 31 boxing match between Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli is still expected to take place in Riyadh.
For now, WWE has made no public change to Crown Jewel’s location or date. The reported backup plan and internal frustration remain unconfirmed by the company, leaving the event’s status dependent on any further developments.
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