Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host WWE Crown Jewel in Riyadh on November 7. However, safety concerns among prominent WWE superstars have been making waves online. The concern stems from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and rising security tensions.
Why are WWE stars concerned about traveling to Saudi Arabia?
According to a recent report by Fightful Select, multiple WWE talents, including some big names, refused to be booked on Crown Jewel because of safety concerns in Saudi Arabia. Still, some big names, including World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, Undisputed Champion Sami Zayn, Women’s Champion Chelsea Green, Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and a few other stars, are advertised for the show.
The same report said some superstars on the Crown Jewel card have also expressed concerns, while the company has assured them their safety is its top priority.
“Multiple WWE stars, including top talent, made it clear to the company that they did not want to be booked for Crown Jewel because of safety concerns in Saudi Arabia, FightfulSelect.com learned. Some talent booked for the event also expressed concerns, though WWE officials have assured talent that safety precautions are a priority,” Fightful via X
WWE has a long history in the region and has held events in Saudi Arabia. Every year, the company hosts a few big PLEs in the Middle East, and it will also host its first international WrestleMania in the region next year, which would be a massive boost for Saudi Arabia’s tourism.
But stars are currently concerned about growing security threats in the region, which has raised questions about talent, production and other security concerns.
Many fans and critics even wanted the event canceled and held elsewhere in the United States, but the Stamford-based promotion didn’t go that way and kept the option to hold the event in Saudi Arabia, just at a different venue.
US issues travel warning for Saudi Arabia
In its October 23 update, the US Department of State advised its citizens to reconsider traveling to Saudi Arabia and warned that security conditions could quickly change. Despite the warning, WWE is choosing to travel to Saudi Arabia and hold its committed Premium Live Event, while keeping staff and star safety as its top priority.
