WWE is facing a difficult situation surrounding Crown Jewel, the premium live event scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Recent attacks on airports in the country have raised fresh concerns about the safety of WWE talent and staff.
According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, the question of whether to hold the show on Saudi soil was one of the main topics discussed internally at WWE on Thursday.
The concern is not new, however. In September, WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select reported that unease over Crown Jewel was already being felt both among the staff who handle show operations and at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.
The situation has escalated in recent days. Attacks claimed by the Houthis, an armed group in Yemen, hit airports in Riyadh and Abha. According to Saudi authorities, the attacks killed three people and injured 36.
Whether or not WWE holds ‘Crown Jewel’ in Saudi Arabia next month was a big topic of conversation internally today. (@bryanalvarez, @WONF4W) https://t.co/yPNMC4bpEn
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) October 8, 2026
More explosions were reported on Thursday at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital. Over 275 flights were canceled, and airlines including Lufthansa and Air India temporarily suspended operations in the region.
The U.S. Embassy also issued a security alert warning Americans about the risk of further attacks, flight cancellations, and airspace closures. The State Department’s travel advisory for Saudi Arabia remains at Level 3, which advises Americans to reconsider travel to the country.
Crown Jewel is set to take place at Riyadh Season Stadium, and the card will feature matches between world champions in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
The stakes are also higher because of WrestleMania 43, which will bring WWE back to Riyadh in 2027. The show will mark the first time WWE’s biggest event is held outside North America.