WWE is apparently putting extra money on the table to convince crew members to travel to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel, but even a $3,000 bonus isn’t enough to get everyone on board.
With Crown Jewel scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh, new details have emerged about what WWE is doing behind the scenes to get its crew ready for the trip amid ongoing safety concerns in the region.
According to WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, WWE is offering additional hazard pay to crew members who agree to travel to Saudi Arabia. This isn’t something the company traditionally offers for standard crew responsibilities, making the decision particularly noteworthy.
WrestleVotes spoke with two WWE employees who indicated that the additional compensation being offered was $3,000. However, there’s a catch. Even with the extra money being offered, several crew members have already decided they aren’t making the trip. The decision to offer hazard pay comes as WWE continues preparing for Crown Jewel despite concerns about traveling to Saudi Arabia. Hazard pay is generally additional compensation given to employees performing dangerous duties or working under conditions involving unusual physical hardship.
The fact that WWE is offering that kind of compensation to crew members is significant, especially since these employees are typically responsible for production, equipment, staging and other behind-the-scenes responsibilities rather than performing inside the ring.
This isn’t the first indication that people within WWE have been uncomfortable about making the trip. It was previously revealed that multiple WWE Superstars, including some prominent names, had expressed concerns about traveling to Saudi Arabia. Some wrestlers even requested not to be booked for Crown Jewel, while others already scheduled for the event raised questions about their safety.
WWE officials have assured talent that safety precautions will be a priority during the trip. The company has also been preparing to travel with a smaller crew than usual, limiting the number of people making the journey.
The United States Department of State has also issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, urging Americans to reconsider traveling to the country because of security concerns.
Despite those concerns, Crown Jewel remains scheduled to take place in Riyadh on Saturday, November 7. Now WWE finds itself in an unusual position. The company is preparing for one of its biggest international events while offering additional money to crew members willing to make the trip, and some employees still aren’t interested.
Offering $3,000 in hazard pay certainly shows WWE is willing to spend more to get the necessary personnel to Saudi Arabia, but the fact that several crew members are turning down that money says plenty about the concerns surrounding this particular event. With Crown Jewel just days away, WWE still has a major show to produce, whether every crew member is willing to get on the plane or not.
What do you think about WWE offering $3,000 in hazard pay for the Saudi Arabia trip, and would that amount be enough to convince you to travel under the circumstances? Let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
