WWE’s decision to keep Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia has reportedly drawn complaints backstage once again.
According to Fightful Select, several staff members and talent are unhappy about WWE holding the event there.
Despite the complaints, the company is still planning to hold the premium live event in Riyadh. Fightful also reported that WWE is in constant contact with its Saudi hosts to monitor the situation.
“Fightful Select has heard from a number of staff and talent who aren’t happy about it at this point,” Fightful said. “We’re told naturally, that WWE is in constant communication with their hosts regarding the matter.”
The unhappiness isn’t new. As previously reported, WWE employees were questioning the trip as far back as September, and safety concerns were a major topic of discussion at the company’s headquarters. Fightful’s new report also covers talent who have voiced their displeasure backstage.
The concerns come amid attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis on airports and other facilities in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. State Department has kept Saudi Arabia under a Level 3 travel advisory, which recommends that Americans reconsider travel there. The department also ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave the country.
In an interview with Fox News last week, Ari Emanuel said the situation was being monitored daily and TKO was working on backup options in case it needed to move the event.
Crown Jewel is still scheduled for November 7 at Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD.