The U.S. State Department has ordered all non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia as the country issued a new security alert while WWE prepares for its Crown Jewel Premium Live Event on Saturday, November 7. Despite the warning, the plan as of Sunday night remained for WWE to travel to Saudi Arabia.
The State Department warned that “Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.” It also noted that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh announced a partial reopening on Sunday for domestic flights and some international flights, while advising citizens to “be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia.”
Crown Jewel plans and WWE response
Ari Emanuel, CEO of WWE parent company TKO, told Fox News last week that the company is continuously monitoring the situation and that contingency plans are being ironed out. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that “The plan is still for WWE Crown Jewel to take place in Saudi Arabia. We’ve heard from a number of staff and talent that aren’t happy about it at this point. We’re told naturally that WWE is in constant communication with their hosts regarding the matter.”
WWE is scheduled to present Crown Jewel live on ESPN Unlimited on November 7. Six major stars are currently booked for the Premium Live Event: World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Sami Zayn, Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. The card is subject to change.
Both Sami Zayn and Chelsea Green are set to defend their titles this Friday on WWE SmackDown, with Trick Williams and Nikki Bella mentioned as potential additions to the Crown Jewel championship picture.
TKO could face significant financial consequences if the event is canceled or moved: The Wrestling Observer estimates a potential loss of anywhere from $70 million to $90 million.
The Takedown on SI will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East and report updates on Crown Jewel as the event approaches.
