WWE’s plans to hold Crown Jewel 2026 in Saudi Arabia are at risk because of recent attacks in the country. TKO CEO Ari Emanuel will have the final say on whether the event goes ahead in Riyadh or is canceled there, Dave Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio.
Meltzer added that the decision goes beyond WWE President Nick Khan’s authority, though Khan is expected to take part in the discussions.
“This is obviously going to be Ari Emanuel’s decision. This is way over Nick Khan’s head. I’m sure it won’t be without Nick Khan’s input.”
False Finish reported that WWE has reached out to U.S. government officials to discuss the situation. According to PWInsider, the company is also in talks with Saudi representatives and a private security firm with expertise in the region. TKO reportedly does not plan to make any decision without the security firm signing off.
Bryan Alvarez reported that WWE is still planning to hold Crown Jewel in Riyadh but has a city in the United States lined up as a contingency. Some reports, however, indicate that the company has not yet begun discussions about moving the event.
Pressure from WWE’s business partnership with Saudi Arabia is reportedly another factor in Emanuel’s decision. Meltzer reported that WWE officials took a recent post from Turki Alalshikh as a message aimed at the company. In the post, Alalshikh pointed to Canelo Alvarez’s decision to keep his next fight in Riyadh despite the attacks.
Security concerns grew after the strikes on King Khalid International Airport. The State Department updated its travel advisory on Monday, urging Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia. U.S. government employees now need special authorization to use any airport in the country.
Crown Jewel is set for Nov. 7 at Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD.