The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, addressed Saturday’s WWE Crown Jewel PLE. On Friday, the embassy’s X account called the show an example of American sports diplomacy.
The embassy wrote:
“American sports diplomacy comes to Riyadh! We are thrilled to share the excitement as WWE Crown Jewel returns to Saudi Arabia this weekend! Crown Jewel is entirely created, owned, and produced by @WWE, a wholly American professional wrestling promotion headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. American sports entertainment exports create shared unforgettable experiences, strengthening the bonds between the American and Saudi people.”
But the embassy’s own recent warnings tell a different story. The post went up just 14 days after a State Department order went into effect. The order required non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks.
On October 10, the embassy advised Americans to avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following attacks there.
The armed conflict in the Middle East led to Crown Jewel moving from Riyadh Season Stadium, a temporary outdoor venue, to the indoor ANB Arena, also known as The Venue.
Fightful Select reported that Crown Jewel’s venue change was due to safety concerns, not ticket sales, and that WWE is bringing a much smaller crew than usual.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was noted that a lot of the show’s production will be done from the U.S. Production crew members who will be working on site were reportedly offered $3,000 in hazard pay.
Back in 2018, the first Crown Jewel got a much different reaction from U.S. politicians. That year, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, WWE’s home state, was among the senators who asked WWE to reconsider the show following the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
In the U.S., the show will stream exclusively on ESPN Unlimited, with the main card starting at 12 p.m. ET. Two champion vs. champion matches are set for Crown Jewel. World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns will take on Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn, and Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan will battle WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green.