WWE‘s November trip to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel is once again a source of serious concern backstage, following this past weekend’s escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
The situation was discussed backstage at Monday’s RAW, according to WRKD Wrestling, with some superstars hoping WWE will seriously reconsider holding the event in Riyadh.
Those concerns came just days after the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia. The country remains at Level 3, with the department urging American citizens to reconsider travel due to risks from drone and missile attacks, armed conflict, and terrorism.
The situation escalated further on Saturday, when the Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks against targets in Riyadh and Saudi authorities confirmed they intercepted a missile fired at the capital. A large plume of smoke was spotted near King Khalid International Airport, marking the first claimed attack on Riyadh since the current escalation began in July.
Following the escalating Saudi Arabia travel advisory issued over the weekend, there has been talk backstage at RAW among talent, with some hoping WWE seriously reconsiders holding the upcoming Crown Jewel event in November.
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WWE had already been internally discussing alternatives for Crown Jewel before the weekend’s events. According to WrestleVotes Radio, if the Saudi Arabia trip is deemed unfeasible, the company intends to keep the premium live event on November 7 but at a different location, due to its commitments to ESPN.
No changes have been officially announced. Crown Jewel remains scheduled for Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD, with the U.S. broadcast set for ESPN Unlimited.
With superstars now voicing concerns of their own backstage, the question is whether WWE will go ahead with the trip or turn to its backup plan for November.