WWE is unhappy that some non-wrestling employees have spoken out against traveling to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel on Nov. 7, Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio.
Wrestling Noticias covered safety concerns surrounding the trip in September, when Fightful reported that backstage staff and employees at WWE headquarters were apprehensive. On Wednesday, Meltzer said members of the production crew were dissatisfied as well. The new report adds that WWE management reacted negatively when those employees spoke out.
Meltzer explained that WWE wants to project an image of unity, and he also addressed the wrestlers’ silence.
“I heard that WWE wasn’t thrilled that some of the employees, non-wrestlers, did actually talk about not wanting to go. Because they want that united front. Not one wrestler said a word, which doesn’t surprise me because if they did… there would be repercussions.”
The discontent comes amid recent missile and drone attacks on facilities in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh’s international airport, which saw disruptions to its operations.
The State Department’s travel advisory for Saudi Arabia remains at Level 3, recommending that U.S. citizens reconsider travel to the country. Updated Monday, the advisory names major sporting events, hotels and entertainment venues as potential targets for attacks.
The advisory also tells Americans to have a plan for leaving the country that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Those recommendations cover the very risks of the trip that WWE employees have begun to question.