WWE just got another reason to be nervous about Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. State Department is now warning Americans about possible flight cancellations, airport closures and escalating attacks in the Middle East — just weeks before WWE is supposed to bring its roster to Riyadh.
The warning comes as WWE continues preparing for Crown Jewel on November 7, despite serious concerns about travel into Saudi Arabia. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh showed signs of resuming operations on October 18 after being shut down for more than a week following deadly attacks. However, getting everyone into the country safely remains a major question.
Now the State Department’s official TravelGov account has issued a warning urging Americans in the Middle East to stay on high alert, specifically pointing to attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia. The warning goes on to address the attacks that have already caused major problems for Saudi Arabia’s airports and other infrastructure.
“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment. Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”
“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”
That’s a pretty serious concern for WWE, considering the company needs to transport its wrestlers, production crew and equipment into Riyadh for Crown Jewel. Even if some commercial flights have resumed, that doesn’t mean international travel is anywhere close to normal.
The State Department also urged Americans traveling to or from the Middle East to monitor airport operations and prepare backup plans. It warned that Iran and groups supporting the country could target additional American interests overseas, including U.S. businesses and institutions.
And this isn’t just a general warning with no connection to Saudi Arabia. The State Department currently has the country under a Level 3 travel advisory, telling Americans to reconsider travel because of armed conflict, terrorism and the threat of drone and missile attacks.
Meanwhile, WWE is still planning to hold Crown Jewel in Riyadh. Flight tracking information showed more than 100 scheduled arrivals at King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, although most were domestic flights and several major international airlines were still suspending service.
Other sporting events haven’t been so lucky. The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament was already postponed until late December, while the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships, scheduled for November 3 through November 7, were canceled.
As Ringside News previously covered, the repeated attacks on Riyadh’s airport have raised serious concerns about whether WWE can safely run Crown Jewel as scheduled. Saudi Arabia has also considered canceling additional Riyadh Season events.
There’s also a major financial issue hanging over the situation. It was recently indicated that WWE’s parent company, TKO, has faced additional pressure to keep its Saudi Arabia events on schedule following public assurances from Saudi entertainment official Turki Alalshikh about Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming fight in Riyadh.
WWE also has a backup venue in the United States available if Crown Jewel cannot take place in Saudi Arabia. However, no relocation has been announced, and the company is still moving forward with preparations for November 7.
The State Department’s warning doesn’t mean WWE has been ordered to cancel Crown Jewel. But with civilian airports being targeted, international flights disrupted and the U.S. government telling Americans to prepare for the situation to get worse, this is turning into a pretty serious problem. WWE has less than three weeks to pull everything together, and the biggest question is whether the company can get everyone into Riyadh and back home safely.
Do you think WWE should move Crown Jewel out of Saudi Arabia following the latest U.S. State Department warning? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
